alternator question

[xxninja]

im wondering if my alternator is shot or not
i have scanmaster, when running, the car varries in voltage between 12.6 and 13.4 volts tops while driving
i was wondering if this is normal range or is it low?
it is the original alternator i believe

could u please tell me if this is normal
i dont wanna waste 100 bucks of my beer money and be mad

appreciate it

brian

 

[Steve Wood]

Measure the voltage with a meter at the back of the alternator...it will probably be higher..

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

and if you dont have a digital multimeter, sears, and radioshack sell them as cheap as $19.99-- just remember you get what you pay for
HTH

 

[U1ARUNIT]

Should be approx 13.5-14.8 V at the battery terminals while running. The alternator should give you about the same reading if the wiring is good from batt to alt.

 

[salvageV6]

Normal for a charged battery while driving.

Do the checks at the alternator and battery, should be within .2 volts or less difference. Use the same good ground point such as the battery ground for testing.

 

[xxninja]

i think i am goign to change my alternator then

i see the replacement alt for the 85 is 94 amps
and the replacent alt for the 86/87 is 124 amps

i'd like to get the larger amp alternator.
my question is, is the housing and the hook up in the back the same between the 85 and the 86/87 alternators????

id save me a lil aggrovation and a trip if maybe some1 could tell me

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

IF the outer case is different between the 2, then take YOUR 85 alternater to a rebuild shop and see if they can replace the parts with the 120 AMP pieces-
HTH

 

[xxninja]

i do notice that the 86/87 models seem to have a diff sized pulley belt

the 85 has a real thin alt belt and the 86-87 have a wider more modern alt belt, i also notced that that they are on opposite sides of the car too, wonder if that makes a difference
hmm i wonder if that comes off and i can change it