Hey, I've been having this problem with my 88 where the alternator only charges half the time when i start my car, it works fine when it initiates but started not working all the time a month ago and has gotten worse. The alternator itself it about a year old and is upgraded to put out extra power. If anybody has any ideas or know where i could find some info about the wiring of the charging system i'd appreciate it. thanks

 

Measure the voltage drop from the alternator output to battery +. Anything more than .5v shows a weak primary connection.

Measure the voltage the voltage drop from the alternator housing to battery -. Anything more than .5v here shows weak grounds.

(Have a friend jiggle the wires while making the readings.)

If the alternator itself is intermittant, most parts stores have a test stand & can verify a warranty claim.

 

using the stock housing?

i've tried this. everybody has said that you cant get any more than 70 amps out of the stock housing (stock is 60 or 65.. one of the two)

anyways everyone told me this, except for one shop. they told me they could get 120 out of the stock housing.

well i got ripped off.. ive had it tested and retested and retested, and it has NEVER put out more than 68 amps.

with that said, i will tell you that what they told me from the beginning is true. you CANNOT get any more than 70 amps out of the stock alternator housing.

 

If you need a REAl ugrade talk to seilverrotor on this forum.

Santiago

 

silverrotor can get you a deal on a 3rd gen (FD) alternator.. much higher amperage.. good price.. good quality..