I figured my alternator was gone because I've got a 700 watt amp wired into my truck for my subs. So...i took it to a guy and he put the alternator on a machine and tested it. Its charging. So I dont know where else to look. I tested the battery and it read 12 volts with the truck off. When the truck is running...its down to 11. Also, if you let the truck sit for a while it will turn over, but when u run it, it drains the battery dead. Are there any regulators or something that I could get him to check? Wires to check chaffed? Any input would be great!
Dodgevanman
05-08-2006, 08:49 PM
Probably the voltage regulator, but check to make sure the wiring is in good shape.
dodge318rulez
05-08-2006, 08:51 PM
k thanks!...where is that mounted? Firewall?
Moparfreak1980
05-09-2006, 04:39 AM
Yup
red83150
05-09-2006, 06:48 AM
chk the volt reg.
coastermeister
05-09-2006, 07:45 AM
I recently had a charging problem with my '86. To make a long story short turns out the connector on the alternator for the wire from the regulator had a little corrosion on it and was not making a good connection. A little fine sandpapering of the connector and mating piece and it was back up and working. I also decided it was time to install a voltmeter just for good measure. When my regulator failed a few years ago it failed in the full charge mode and fried the battery.
swami2806
05-09-2006, 09:50 AM
If your amp is 700 watts and cranked, you are probably straining the system. You can check. Use this formula: Volts X Amps= Watts. (Volts multiplied by amps equals the wattage you have available to run everything). So, your truck is 12 volts and if your alternator is 60 amps, you ain't got much wiggle-room there--You can run 720 watts worth of electrical components and accessories (depending if the alternator output is 60 amps)! If the subs are up full, you only have 20 watts worth of equipment you can run--lights, wiper motor, a/c if you have it, equalizers, plows... If the battery is asking the VR for juice to stay constantly charged to run everything, then that will over work both the VR and battery. VR probably overheating.
You should have brought the battery to get tested too. If it's shot or bad (If they sit on the shelf too long they can go bad--just because it's new or newer doesn't mean it's good) it won't hold a charge. The problem is most likely the voltage regulator, as Vanman said, but don't dismiss the battery. Also, voltage is only part of the charge. There is also the cranking amps. The battery may still read 12 volts even though it can't produce the amperage to spin the motor. Think of your breaker-box in your house. If you plug in a 120-volt refrigerator that requires 20 amps into an outlet that is rated at 10 amps (let's pretend the breaker wouldn't trip), the refigerator won't be able to draw the amps necessary to run, even though the circuit is still at 120 volts. The voltage to the battery should be in the neighborhood of 14 volts while truck is running, until the regulator cuts off the alternator then it should be at 12-ish. Again, the voltage regulator can cause this same condition. The plates and acid in the battery will still produce electrolites when the truck is off, so it will recharge a bit when sitting. If you haven't gone to buy the V regulator yet, bring the battery for the heck of it and have them test it anyway.
coastermeister
05-09-2006, 10:00 AM
I forgot to mention that a $20 load tester from Harbor Freight is a very valuable tool in trouble shooting charging problems. Anyone that tinkers with their own vehicles should own one.
dodge318rulez
05-09-2006, 02:43 PM
found the problem....wire was burnt off...I couldnt tell you where it goes or where it comes from. Twisted it back together and away she goesss!yee hawww! Thanks for all the input!
swami2806
05-10-2006, 12:49 AM
don't be so quick to shout the rebel yell ( the yeee-haw). That wired fried for a reason. Isolate the problem.
dodge318rulez
05-10-2006, 10:09 PM
the whole wiring in the truck is screwed. It's been tampered with before. If nothing catches fire, shes good to go. As long as my subs work and the engine turns, shes good to go. lol. I know i've got to fix the wiring properly though...Ive been using the get-you-home techniques that my just fail on-the-way-home!:P
bherder
05-10-2006, 11:05 PM
the whole wiring in the truck is screwed. It's been tampered with before. If nothing catches fire, shes good to go. As long as my subs work and the engine turns, shes good to go. lol. I know i've got to fix the wiring properly though...Ive been using the get-you-home techniques that my just fail on-the-way-home!:P
Swami's right.... Instead of massive sounds, you ought to spend the $$ on getting the wiring correct/SAFE.....
When things like that fail, at best, it's a long walk home.... At worst, it's setting your rig on fire and then... well, it doesn't matter then.... ;)
