m33p0n3

iTrader: (1)

So I just ran my brand new (to me) 90 GXL coupe through the inspection lanes and get the registration. Took it on its inaugural road trip and noticed that the warning lights were staying on.

I took a brief look at it while sitting in the driveway afterwards and looking at the stock voltmeter it looks like its making about 14V at idle, but anything above that the lights get brighter and the voltage needle jumps to the 16V mark. I'll have to take a voltmeter to it tomorrow to confirm, as I'm not too sure how reliable the stock dial is.

After doing some searching around on the forum, it looks like I'm getting my first taste of the electrical gremlins. I guess the voltage regulator could be the culprit, but is there a chance that it's a problem with the belt?

The previous owner, my aunt, had apparently taken it to the dealership to have the belts replaced. They had overtightened them, and she then drove it only a couple times in the next few months and had bent [some shaft that had to be replaced]. Of course she can't remember or find the paperwork for [shaft that had to be replaced] so I'm not even sure what it was.

And a rather quick question, am I to assume that if the alternator is making over 15V that I should not be running the car, for fear of damage to the electrical system?

J-Rat

iTrader: (2)

Dont trust that stock volmeter. Get a real multimeter on it and get a true voltage reading.

Or,

Just take it to Vato Zone or Checkers or whatever and have them test it for free.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

your alternator is NO Good..get another one..I am gonna say that is why your Warning lights are on..check the Belt ,.check the tension..Check the alignment of the Belt ON the pulley(just watch the belt go around on the engine to see if the Pulleys are aligned and the belt isn't wobbling or Something isn't Wobbly there.)..also Check the Connections at the alternator,and the battery connections should be Cleaned,If Dirty at all..By the Way>>WELCOME to the RX7 Club!..my name is Dave and I am a Scorpio!..LOL!

m33p0n3

iTrader: (1)

So I checked it out with a voltmeter and I am making a nice 14.4V at Idle. But at 2000 rpm its cranking out 15.9V.

I'm gonna make an attempt at cleaning up the contacts first, I did rather hastily slap them on to get the thing running in the first place. The belts are fine, but to be honest I'm not too sure how to check to see if they're tight enough. The wheel on the air pump also seems to be wobbling pretty bad too...

m33p0n3

iTrader: (1)

So I cleaned up the contacts to the battery and started 'er up again.. Now it's over spec voltage all the time. So I went to retension the belt and forgot to take the damn jack out of the pulley before cranking the engine. I'm thinking at this point I'll just pull the alternator and get it tested just to be sure.

The belt I really don't know what to do with. It's now slipped between the drive pulley and the front of the engine case, and there isn't enough room to pull it back out. I guess I'll have to cut the belt, pull it out, then spend the time removing all the other belts to replace the alternator belt. Unless somebody else has an idea/trick to it?