Alternator problems + exhaust question
 

Ok, so last night on the way home from dinner, the idiot lights came on. I came onto the forum and searched and I found that many times its either the alternator and/or grounds. Today at work i tested the back side of the alternator and it came out at 12.01 amps. I then tested it from the battery side and it said I was getting nothing. This leads me to believe it is a ground issue, however the fact I was charging at 14 amps yesterday afternoon leaves me in the dark...

Any ideas on this?

Also, my exhaust pipe, mainly the muffler, is making a popping sound at idle. I also have an exhaust leak right after the cat...

Any Ideas on this as well?

I really love the car and its little quirks, but I would like to fix these little things, so i dont have to worry about it being a Major problem, not a quirk.

thanks
chris

if u have an exhaust leak after the cat then i would say its safe to belive thats where ur popping is coming from....also 14 amps is very low charging rate...my rx7 was charging at like 30-50...i think it was rated for 70 but im not sure.....u sure u dont mean voltage? either way 12 and 14 amps is low....the alternator 'could' be ur problem

I'm sure that you are referring to voltage.

What you were reading at the back of the alternator was battery voltage.
If you are only reading 12 volts at the back of the alternator then it is the alternator.

I would take the alternator off and go to the local auto parts store and have them test it.

ok, I was wrong, i did mean voltage. It's been a long day at work so im a little out of it.

I looked on our parts thing and Pepboys doesnt carry them usually its a special order part at like...129.99 for a Reman...

Ill see what i can do about the alternator...


As far as the exhaust goes, its probably the exhaust leak? It sounds like its coming from the muffler itself.

I know im asking alot of questions, but im new to owning a first gen and im trying to understand more of its little quirks.

thanks everyone
chris

Check the wreckers. I got a FC alt for $50CDN. I actually have a spare FC alt, in perfect working order, I may part with for the same price + shipping. PM if interested, but most likely cheaper from a pick and pull. No spacer for it though.

well i have the alternator from my s5 project car, but i dont know how good it is or how well it works...Its worth a try though before i go and spend money on one that might not work either