charging again

[ALANSD]

I had an alternator put on last summer, and had some charging problems this summer due to a loose belt, or so I thought. I had tightened the belt and got good output for a while, but now it is down to 12.1 volts again. Belt seems to be tight enough and is in good shape. The alternator was pep boys special so it could be shot.

My question- at the isolator the reading is 12v, could this be strictly an alternator issue, or a revisit of my older wiring problem, where one moderately burnt (from heat) wire caused the charging system to go bizerk.

I have since run new wire, and wrapped with heat protective thermal tape. I hate to unwrap all that to check but will if I have to.

Maybe a coincidence but my front right parking light and rear side marker are not working and the bulbs are fine. The directionals and all else are ok though.
I will spring for a new heavy duty alternator, probably from the same folks I bought the starter from if necessary.

[Bfrank]

Check your grounds on the marker lights mine had 12 v to the bulb but the grounds were bad therefore no light fixed the ground and I had lights water does get inside of the lenses and
can corrode the rivets they are stuck together with.

[ALANSD]

thanks I will check that..I will get the test light out see what happens........

[Astrodokk]

What folks did you buy starter from? I need one.

[ALANSD]

I USED THESE GUYS, THE STARTER HAS BEEN TERRIFIC


They make their own billet aluminum cased mini starters. High torque, heat proof. Not expensive.

aluminum cased starters

[87MH]

I bought my last two from Moroso Racing.

A bit expensive, but they stand behind them, they replaced the next to last at no charge, but I upgraded to their top of the line starter at the same time.

They put the full purchase price of the old (1 month old) starter towards the purchase of the new top end starter.

No regrets, but I still carry one of the old GM starters - just in case.

I would highly recommend a starter that is designed to keep the solenoid portion pointing toward the ground, not tucked up between the block and the curb side exhaust pipe/manifold.

[ALANSD]

what i forgot to mention is that with the aluminum starter you can rotate the body around to any position, and then you slide in the bolts. The starter is rotated away from the manifold heat source as much as t can be. I also (taking no chances) wrapped mine in a thermal tec heat wrap, and wrapped the wiring as well.
Not wanting any "side of the road on a 90 degree day" starter problems! Been there, done that...

[ALANSD]

checked my plugs at the alternator, not loose, checked my wires underneath all looks good heat wrap still intact. 12v at the isolator and battery. Lights on drops it to 10v. Generator on made no difference.(not that I expected it to) Belts are tight .
Guess I need an alternator? 69 bucks at alterstart buys a 130 amp HD with lifetime warranty. The last one i got was 35 at Pep Boys and must be made in China.

[74Argosy24MH]

Alternator time. You should have about 13.6 volts with the battery charged and running. Aren't you glad you discovered this at home?

John

[ALANSD]

yes..it has happened to me twice on the road. Once many miles away from home, which is why I ended up with the Pep Boys special. It was all I could find.
At least I got a year out of it.Any suggestions on amperage? Is this one a good choice?
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