Alternator Output Voltage

[LannyL81]

Just noticed that my voltage gauge seems to be higher than normal. Measured the battery voltage with car idling and after five minutes it was still at 14.55Vdc....and this is with a two week old battery. With engine off, battery voltage is 12.65Vdc.

Does this seem high to anyone?

If so, a new voltage regulator is about $20 plus taking the alternator apart or $60 for a rebuilt lifetime warranty alternator. Price wise it seems just replacing...but is also fun taking things apart and fixing what is wrong.

Thanks

 

[TimAT]

Lanny, i wouldn't worry about it. Normal alternator output voltages always seem to be around 13.8. Unless you have signs of the battery boiling- top of the battery is wet- then I'd just drive it. Maybe pull the alternator and swing by AZ or NAPA- anyone of the parts stores- and get them to check it.
If anything, I'd bet it's a diode anyway.
And check and see what the current output is- with no load- (lights off, heater off) it should only be pushing a minimum amperage anyway. If it's throwing 25 amps+ at no load idle, I'd worry.

 

[Peer81]

With the engine running 14.5 V is normal and without the engine running around 12 V. Seems perfectly normal to me.

And, taking it apart is much more fun then just changing it (can also be done if it isn't broken )

Groeten Peter

 

[LannyL81]

TimAT: I agree that 13.8 is more like it. I will need to check the current, but battery seems fine.

Peer81: Thanks for the info. Still not sure if 14.55 to 14.65 is okay or not.
Think I will just take it off and see what the auto parts store machine tells me. Of course I am sure they will try to sell me a new one. And I might just take it apart and replace either the voltage regulator or diode bridge...just because it is fun to do.

Thanks to both of you,
Lanny

 

[Sensei]

With the engine running 14.5 V is normal and without the engine running around 12 V. Seems perfectly normal to me.

And, taking it apart is much more fun then just changing it (can also be done if it isn't broken )

Groeten Peter

I agree

 

[tracksnblades1]

Have you checked to see if your Internal regulator is externally adjustable? The alternator shop should be able to show you how to adjust it.

 

[LannyL81]

The latest:
Took alternator apart and in removing the armature I broke the brush holder. So I ordered a replacement brush holder, brushes and a diode triode. Arrived on Friday and I put them in this morning. Put everything back together and forgot to pull the pin holding the brushes before I flipped the alternator over.

Ended up pushing the pin back into the case and not knowing this I turned the armature....this broke the brush holder again. :W

So I gave-up...went to the parts store and traded it in on a rebuilt one for $60. Brush holder was only $17, but would take another week to get here.

New ones looks great, and the voltage output is about the same...

Oh well....I spent $75 that I did not need to....:bash

 

[Peer81]

Sound like I'm not the only one with a $$$ money output and end up with the same result
And of course honest to write everything down

Greetings Peter

 

[bill81vette]

Somehow I think WE ALL end up doing that!!!!!!!!