Voltage Spikes
September 15th, 2018, 08:40 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,092
Voltage Spikes
I sometimes get voltage spikes on my 1972 Olds. It will jump from 14.5 to almost 16 volts and jump back. Not sure why it does it sometimes and other times it doesn't. This is observed on my aftermarket voltage gauge and the interior lights can be seen to fluctuate when it does this.
I have an AC Delco alternator that is internally regulated.
I have an AC Delco alternator that is internally regulated.
September 16th, 2018, 08:30 PM
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,092
Would AutoZone be able to test the alternator to see if the internal voltage regulator is bad?
Which brand is better; AC Delco or the AutoZone DuraLast?
Last edited by pettrix; September 16th, 2018 at 08:32 PM.
September 17th, 2018, 04:52 AM
#6
Administrator
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 40,524
Yes they can test the alternator. Also check all of your connections at the alternator, the horn relay stud, and where the original voltage regulator was bypassed to make sure everything is clean and tight.
September 17th, 2018, 08:42 AM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 13,738
September 17th, 2018, 09:46 AM
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 2,972
September 17th, 2018, 10:19 AM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 2,972
September 18th, 2018, 07:36 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 5,233
Those alternators are pretty easy to rebuild, I’m sure you can find some YouTube videos with detailed instructions.
You need to get get this fixed ASAP. I had a regulator go bad on my old 87 Cutlass, I failed in the full field position. I didn’t notice to volt gauge pegged, my first clue that something was wrong when bulbs started burning out. The battery smelled horrible, and fried the stereo also. I was 35 miles from home when this happened, I unplugged the alternator and got home ASAP. A new regulator, battery, some bulbs, and a new stereo all was well.
You need to get get this fixed ASAP. I had a regulator go bad on my old 87 Cutlass, I failed in the full field position. I didn’t notice to volt gauge pegged, my first clue that something was wrong when bulbs started burning out. The battery smelled horrible, and fried the stereo also. I was 35 miles from home when this happened, I unplugged the alternator and got home ASAP. A new regulator, battery, some bulbs, and a new stereo all was well.
September 20th, 2018, 12:00 AM
#13
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,092
The new alternator had the VR plug is a different spot due to the mounting ear.
Is it OK to remove the 4 bolts and rotate the housing to re-align the VR plug to a different spot?
It will only be a 1/4 turn to get it where needed.
Is it OK to remove the 4 bolts and rotate the housing to re-align the VR plug to a different spot?
It will only be a 1/4 turn to get it where needed.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Texas442
Electrical
12
March 31st, 2011 12:33 PM
