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Guest · Posted: Fri May 25, 2001 4:26 pm Post subject:

From: Jim Short
Email: jshort75@qwest.net
Date: 25 May 2001
Time: 16:26:11

Hey guys!
My alternator is not putting out enough charging voltage. The dash voltmeter(VDO accessory gauge cluster) says it's only producing 10volts plus or minus 1v. Even when it's running the thing doesn't reach near 12 volts. Is there a fix? Cleaning? It is covered with oil from repeated spilling on oil changes. There is a cover on the back with the ductwork attached for cooling. I wonder if I can see more if I just take it off. Am I Wasting my time? Should I buy a new alternator?So many questions!! Thanks for any response.

Guest · Posted: Fri May 25, 2001 6:55 pm Post subject:

From: Ian
Email: themechanic@talk21.com
Date: 25 May 2001
Time: 18:55:23

There maybe nothing wrong with you alt, test the voltage at the battery with another volt meter. You may just have a faulty gauge, my gauge reads different voltages but is charges fine, you can buy cheap meters that plug in your ciggy lighter if you don't have access to a tester.

Guest · Posted: Sat May 26, 2001 9:44 am Post subject:

From: Peter in AU
Email: Peter@planb.net.au
Date: 26 May 2001
Time: 09:44:54

it's a standard problem.

The gauge is wired serially with the with the oil pressure gauge which reduces the power that it "sees". Basically the gauge is measuring the difference between the power thru a very thin piece of wire that it's sharing and earth.

If a voltometer shows that you have 12 -13 volts and the gauge shows 11 then you either live with it or just pop the panel, snip the wire between the oil pressure and volt meter (not the one for the lights) and connect the volt meter wire to the single wire going to the oil pressure guage, effectively running the two gauges in parallel. This should give you an extra 1 volt on the meter. You could actually do the job properly by studying the wiring diagram and running proper weight cable to both instruments.

Peter in Sydney AU.