1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

is my alternator dying?

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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 10:50 PM
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From: Don't you wish you knew....
is my alternator dying?

Ok My Alternator in the past two months I've noticed when I idle or come to stop or slow down the voltameter will fall down to 12. It normally stays at 14. Is it dying or am I just folling myself.
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 11:38 PM
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Not necessarily, you could have it load tested to see what it really is putting out. Your could have bad wires, a going battery, all kinds of things. If it starts up strong, i wouldn't worry about it. Until it doesn't.
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 11:41 PM
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From: Don't you wish you knew....
It doesn't start up strong though it takes a couple of tries to start it. And soemtimes it's hard to keep it going.
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 11:43 PM
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Not that mine is fine, but it does the same thing. It is usually fine when at speeds (engine over 2K), but I notice it could be higher at idle. Anyone know if we both have a problem? I know the alternators a are only 50-60amps stock.... do you have a big amp in the car?

ddwtruck.
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 11:57 PM
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From: MN
Well you have to remember most alternators don't put out their full power until they're over say 1000 RPM or more. So your idle of 800 is't really putting out 60Amps.
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Old Apr 29, 2004 | 12:10 AM
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From: Don't you wish you knew....
I idle at 1000
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Old Apr 29, 2004 | 12:55 AM
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to test the alternator:
loosen the negative terminal
start the engine & let it idle
then remove the negative terminal from the battery (be sure not to let it touch anything else)

If its good, the engine will continue to run.
if bad, it will dieeeeeeeee
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