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14.6 volts

  • Thread starter Thread starter SKIP780
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SKIP780

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my 93 shows 14.6 volts all the time.i understand that 13.7 volts is normal charge. should i worry or replace my battery/alt./regulator?
and hey-any thoughts on those 'performance chips'. dont even know if its appliable to my fine road machine. :confused
 
That's not that high of a reading. Keep an eye on it but don't worry about it. ;)
 
You can hook up a volt meter to the alternator to see what it is to cross check teh gauge. I agree with Ken it is not that high, but you still might want to check it.


Justin
 
That might be the first indication that the battery is not holding a charge. Keep an eye on it.
 
Ditto the previous three about the voltage not being too high, but also you must keep an eye on it, it could be a sign that the battery isn't holding a charge like it should. Age, humidity, heat, all contribute to battery life, or lack thereof. I would also recommend that you check your connections to ensure that you have good solid contact. A little dab of dielectric grease on the battery threads will help conduct the current and deter erosion.


Power chips. They can add performance, because you are "re mapping" the engine control diagram in the chip. Hence you are telling the controller that under these circumstances, you need this much fuel at this time. On idle so much, easy accelleration, so much, etc... To get the most you must also have good breathing characteristics. If you want real power remember, there is no replacement for displacement. A good cam for your application, power pully, porting and polishing, etc... You have to draw up a plan and stick to it.
 
Now that's what this whole thing is about - the membership providing valuable feedback and helping each other with the details. Obviously, I was amiss in my assistance and Tim picked up on that. ;)

Thanks for filling in the blanks Tim! :CAC
 
The charging voltage wil change depending on the outside or ambient air temperature. The warmer the weather, the less voltage needed to keep the battery fully charged, cooler weather requires a higher charging rate.
In the past with external voltage regulators the voltage was adjusted to within a certain voltage "window" depending on the average anticipated temperatures. Set too high for the warm temps, and the high voltage would boil off a battery, too low in cold weather meant low a low charge, and possibly poor cranking performance on those cold winter mornings.
The internal regulator alternater systems really helped to eliminate twice / year voltage regulator adjustments, and provided for a much more durable, and reliable charging system, and increased battery life.
Most likely you probably see 13.5 - 13.9 volts on warm days, and 14.2 - 14.6 on cold days, in between the voltage may fluctuate from 13.8 - 14.1 depending on the number of accesories drawing a load. The battery may be used in reserve if the load is greater than the alternator can supply, and the additional charging may be noticed.

On performance chips, most chips are programmed to provide the additional performance at Wide Open Throttle (WOT). There are some that can be found that may provide enhanced performance at other than WOT, up through the normal RPM range, but they are few and far between.
If you are planning any modifications to the intake, exhaust, or heads/cam package, you would do well to wait until the modifications are completed. Then have a custom program flashed to a chip based upon the modifications made, and what you want out of the enhancements. Hope that filled in the blanks for you.:w


vettepilot
 
One-upmanship, eh Stan? :L

I'm only joking ya know - I do appreciate the help. :CAC
 
Ken said:
One-upmanship, eh Stan? :L

I'm only joking ya know - I do appreciate the help. :CAC
;) Sorry I didn't mean for it to sound like that... once I start typing I'm like a crazed hunting dog, nose to the ground and oblivious to everything else.:L :L

vettepilot
 
No, no, no ... You did good! I just had to make a joke about it after I commented on Tim's response. Your response too his a step ot two further. That's what makes the membership here so great! :upthumbs
 
13.8 is pretty much as low as you would want to see although i have seen these cars slightly lower your voltage reading is good in my book i have seen them as high as 14.8 helps charge things up a little quicker for cars that are not driven that often only my 2 cents ;) steve
 

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