Low Voltage...

[Robbie-87plz]

...Voltage light came on tonight after putting some fuel in the car. Fluctuating between 11.4 to 11.8 volts on Scanmaster. Any ideas? I checked the battery connection, seems ok, was dark so I figure I'll check in the morning. Mahalo.

 

[quicker6]

Alternator going perhaps?? Maybe a dead short battery?? Loose positive lead to the alternator?? Hope you find it!!
Derek

 

[GN owner]

Get a voltmeter and check the voltage across the battery with the engine at a fast idle and your headlights in high beam to draw a load. You should be getting at least 13.2 volts if not higher. Next check the voltage at the alternator terminal to see if it is low also. If the voltage is lower than 12.5 volts then most likely the alternator is the problem. Make sure that your belt is tight it's not slipping.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[TURBOV6]

Looks like a bad alternator. When you find out for shure its the alternator check out waynes auto electric and have then replace the voltage regulator instead of buying a new one, it's cheaper anyways.

 

[Hawaiian Turbo]

I have one for sale.

 

[Robbie-87plz]

Belt...

...what is the amount of play allowed?

 

[Robbie-87plz]

Thank you, Lord...

Popped the hood, wiggled some wires and voila, she works...13.9 with hi-beams on and radio and fan. Shoulda prayed sooner. Thanks for the leads guys, as always, the help here is invaluable.

 

[GN owner]

Robbie,

Did you find the root of your problem? If not it will come back and bite you at the most inopportune time!!!

 

[Robbie-87plz]

Slipping belt...

I could have sworn that when I detailed the engine this last weekend, that some Armour All overspray went on the belt, seems to act up at times, not all the time, so my next bet is to get belt cleaner/dressing applied and see if that helps...

 

[Hawaiian Turbo]

I would use the cleaner but NOT the dressing on the ribbed belts.

 

[Robbie-87plz]

Belt...

I know, it wasn't intentional...will try some belt cleaner dresser like I said and see if that helps...it's an intermittent problem, not something that's happening all the time...

 

[Robbie-87plz]

GN Owner...

You're right...it did come back to bite me in the ass...same thing happening again...checking the wiring, seeing if everything is intact/attached/not grounding out etc...

 

[Robbie-87plz]

Update 7:33 p.m.

Battery almost died coming home, the old one was allegedly maintainance free -but with no green eye, I assumed that it had a dead cell. Put in the new battery, and hmm, the scanmaster reads low 11's for voltage. So I need to check the alternator tomorrow.
1.Anyone have tips for me pulling the alternator?

 

[quicker6]

Pulling the alternator is VERY VERY easy!! Remember, disconnect the battery first!! Take care when removing the wiring from the rear of the alternator as you dont want to damage it. You have to use a 18 mm wrench on the tensioner to relieve the belt so it can be removed. Than there are three bolts that secure the alternator. You'll need a 13 mm wrench for the rear and a 15 mm for the two on opposing ends of the alternator. Remember that the bolt/nut nearest the passenger side may be tricky due to the fact that it holds the bracket for the intercooler as well. That may require that the intercooler be loosened up to facilitate in the removal of the bolt. After they're removed than the alternator should lift straight out. Good luck!!
Derek

 

[Robbie-87plz]

Mahalo...

...for the help...