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Alternator voltage low. Options?

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Old 04-28-17, 08:50 PM
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Alternator voltage low. Options?

The seven decided not to start today after I drove it a bit. The solenoid would kick but the starter wouldn't crank. Push started it and drove it home. When I got it home I checked the output voltage of the alternator at idle and it's 13.5-13.7volts. From what I understand it should be 14.1-14.7volts. Looks like mazda doesn't have any in stock. Anyone have recommendations for either a DIY rebuild kit, or anyone have experience with a -gulp- autoparts store unit? I know IRP offers their 140amp unit, I'm just not sure I -need- that. The sooner I can procure one the better as well.

Matt
Old 04-28-17, 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Mrmatt3465
The seven decided not to start today after I drove it a bit. The solenoid would kick but the starter wouldn't crank. Push started it and drove it home. When I got it home I checked the output voltage of the alternator at idle and it's 13.5-13.7volts. From what I understand it should be 14.1-14.7volts. Looks like mazda doesn't have any in stock. Anyone have recommendations for either a DIY rebuild kit, or anyone have experience with a -gulp- autoparts store unit? I know IRP offers their 140amp unit, I'm just not sure I -need- that. The sooner I can procure one the better as well.

Matt
Auction site has them. It can be rebuilt without being upgraded.
Old 04-29-17, 08:21 AM
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Have you tested the AMPERAGE output per the Service Manual, also?
Old 04-29-17, 10:50 AM
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While I have not tested the amperage output, I do have a whining from my speakers under heavier electrical loads. In previous experiences, this has also been an alternator issue. A smaller parts store in the local area was able to get me the only Denso alternator left in the valley. With that I'm gonna go grab it and throw it on and I'll report back if this fixes my low voltage issue (and battery charging issue).

Matt
Old 04-29-17, 01:20 PM
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I ended up buying one of these from ebay.
direct swap and good fit,only thing is you need to make sure that you swap your oem pully onto thenew alternator as the new one is bigger and run some heaviergauge wire from the alternator post to the fuse box
also my windows roll down lightning fast after this
HIGH OUTPUT FOR MAZDA RX-7 R2 1.3L 1308cc 93 94 1995 NEW ALTERNATOR 200 HIGH AMP eBay
Old 04-29-17, 02:13 PM
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Most alternators vary the output voltage due to the temperature. As does ours.; about 14.1 vdc cold weather and 13.7 vdc hot weather.
Old 04-29-17, 02:34 PM
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This thread made me get out my Service Manual and review. Good stuff in there.


I see our stock alternators put out 100 amps at 2500 - 3500 rpm...I wonder what the amperage is supposed to be, or if it changes much, at idle?


I bought a new Kenwood amp the other day because I got a good deal on it, but it draws 54 amps of power alone. Thinking about going with an IR Performance upgrade...just for ***** and grins.
Old 04-29-17, 02:54 PM
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Per FSM, voltage at terminal B should be 14.1-14.7 at idle. My voltage was 13.5-13.7. My PFC read the same results as my multimeter. It was 80*F when I was troubleshooting. Scored them baby from a Parts Authority nearby me.




Waiting on a belt to show up at 430 since mine had a cut in it. I'll let you know if this is the fix. But I'm confident it is.

Matt
Old 04-29-17, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Mrmatt3465
The seven decided not to start today after I drove it a bit. The solenoid would kick but the starter wouldn't crank. Push started it and drove it home. When I got it home I checked the output voltage of the alternator at idle and it's 13.5-13.7volts. From what I understand it should be 14.1-14.7volts. Looks like mazda doesn't have any in stock. Anyone have recommendations for either a DIY rebuild kit, or anyone have experience with a -gulp- autoparts store unit? I know IRP offers their 140amp unit, I'm just not sure I -need- that. The sooner I can procure one the better as well.

Matt
FYI, I have a rebuilt spare, and the IRP alternator.
Have run both, and have never had over 14v in any operating range (idle, revving, etc.)
Old 04-29-17, 08:19 PM
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Replaced alternator. Voltage check good.

Matt
Old 04-29-17, 08:27 PM
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Good info, this has been a nice thread.




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