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08-05-2003, 04:41 PM
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Alternator Q
I usually stick with the Engine section, but I've developed an electrical problem with my ElCamino. After I start the engine the voltmeter shows about 8 volts. If I rev the engine, it jumps to the normal 12 and it will stay there until the next time I start it. I'm assuming something is sticking in the alternator. Anybody have this happen? Is it fixable or do I need to look for another alternator?
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08-05-2003, 04:53 PM
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try changing the voltage regulator, sometimes in my dads car, it would do the same thing. He told me it just took a second for things to warm up. Finally I got pissed off and rebuild the alt, worked like a charm after that.
If your noticing at night that your lights kinda flicker at idle, it's probly the diode trio. HTH Hollywooding 
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08-05-2003, 10:01 PM
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my truck has always done that and i have never had any problems. i wouldn't worry about it.
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08-06-2003, 04:55 AM
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Are we talking factory gages? I would have the voltage checked with a different voltmeter, factory gages are notorious for being innacurate.
Vince
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08-06-2003, 03:53 PM
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Yes, they're factory gauges, but I've noticed the lights get brighter when it goes up to 12v.
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08-06-2003, 09:48 PM
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mine are not factory
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08-07-2003, 08:25 AM
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charging
my car does the same till i bring up rpm's. changing to a larger crank pulley or a smaller alternator pulley could help. alternators, (at least in gm.) have a certain rpm that they have to reach in order to "start up" themselves. but as u can see. i havent changed anything, and i just snap throttle once to get it going., no problems here and i run 2 batteries. 1 for the car, and 1 for sound. i run a battery isolator and it keps both batteries charged. ive had a few different alternators in the car and each has needed me to give the throttle a snap to bring up charge. but never changed the pulley size. i was told same as what im bringing up about the pulleys making a difference if ya really want it to chage at startup., but nothing to worry about as long as it is charging.
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08-07-2003, 10:03 AM
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The one wire GM alternators do need to come up to a certain rpm before they start charging, but once they do they continue to charge at idle.
Vince
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08-07-2003, 04:18 PM
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Check out this site www.madelectrical.com. It has a tech section on alternators that I'm sure you'll find interesting.
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