i recently installed a GM cs130 alt in my 81 gsl and am excperiencing some weird issues... when my car is idling the volt meter in the dash reads just about 14 volts(13.8) however it will ocasionally click and go down to about 11.5 volts... also whenever i'm accelerating the voltage drops to aroun d 12 or so, but as soon as i let off the gas to cruise the gauge pops right back up to 13 plus..???? any ideas on this guys.. i thought maybe bad grounds but they all seem to be in fairly good shape, no corrosions, not loose I even added one from the alt case to the block to see if that'd help but no luck...

thanks in advance guys..

 

Get a second opinion using an aftermarket Voltmeter.

 

Ya, mine does this too... i think we jsut have old cars. I don't know. Mine will do it when the blinkers ae on too. If you figure it out let us know so I can possibly fix it too

 

thank you capt. obvious...lol....guess i'll get on that as soon as i get backfrom Puerto Rico...woot woot!!

 

Check that small connection that activates the regulator to make sure it is tight. Also make sure the cables are clean at the battery. Sounds like the regulator is kicking in and out.

 

that's exactly how i'd describe it...i can actually here a clicking sound when the meter jumps...i just resoldered all the connections for the wires to the alt.. and there's no corrosion on the terminals... thinkin i'm gonna need a new alt... thinking about a self exciting...clean the wiring up a bit..

 

yeah those SE alts are the ****, i had one installed on my honda. Btw, sounds like the reg isnt working properly.

 

+1 for self exciting. Sounds almost taboo...