okay when i start my 91 n/a fc in the morning it crank and starts and the voltage metter reads 14.0 volts is that bad.. i know the normal is supposed 12.6 volts.. whats the cause of this?

 

No, it's not bad. The battery is charged to about 12.6 volts, but the alternator puts out more than that. 13-14V with the engine running is normal.

 

oooh ok thanks rotaryrocket88

 

It actually should be around 14.4 volts. The battery is the only thing that is 12.6 volts.

 

yeah 14V is fine.

anywhere from 13.5-14.5 is fine.

13.0-13.5 and expect to be replacing the alternator or battery soon
14.5+ is usually bad too, means the voltage regulator in the alternator is dying or has died.

 

14.0 is actually a little than ideal.
Each cell maxes at 2.2V.
Multiply that by 6, and you get 13.2V max.
You want to float 2.0V above that, so over 14.0V is good.
14.5 would be nice.
Anything over 15.0 is overcharging.


-Ted