voltage variations

[lglm]

my voltage indicator is varying down to 9 volts sometimes ( from the 13 volts it normally is at) and twice now the car would not start without a jump ( a couple of months apart). I changed the battery, because I had a new one available and that did not fix it... any suggestions ( the repair shop said the charging system was good when they tested it, but it is not a constant problem).. I'm guessing the alternator or regulator ( where is it? ).. any suggestions? forgot to say 95 pa ultra)

[yogi_123rd]

Your best bet is to replace the alternator.

The alternator regulates the voltage it puts out with diode crystals built right into the alternator. Usually an alternator goes bad due to worn contact brushes or the diode crystals burn out. These could be replaced seperately of the alternator if you knew what you were doing. (I've never done it, but those parts are under $20).

[tman]

Also check your terminals. I canh't count how many times people have replaced alternators, when all they needed to do was get the corrosion off the terminals, or tighten them. My 94 park ave wouldn't start one day, all it would do would click. I checked the positive terminal, and sure enough, it was loose AND corroded. went to the trunk, got my trusty wire brush and 1/4 inch drive set, cleaned the terminal, tightened it up, and it fired right away.

[parkavenuechrome]

Replace Your alternator. The problem is in the regulator.. Its common, and Don't buy a rebiuld.. Buy a NEW UNIT!! With my car, the previous owner replaced the alternator 5 times and when it went on me, I replaced it with a Brand New haven't had a issue since 2003 and have 15V voltage steady and strong.

[lglm]

Originally Posted by parkavenuechrome

Replace Your alternator. The problem is in the regulator.. Its common, and Don't buy a rebiuld.. Buy a NEW UNIT!! With my car, the previous owner replaced the alternator 5 times and when it went on me, I replaced it with a Brand New haven't had a issue since 2003 and have 15V voltage steady and strong.

I called the dealer here in San Diego, and they want 270 for a reman, told me there are no new ones.. any suggestions

[deadring]

do you guys have 140 amps alternators? or do you have the 105 amps? i got the 105 amsp and i think it's not enough for a car like this.

[lglm]

Originally Posted by deadring

do you guys have 140 amps alternators? or do you have the 105 amps? i got the 105 amsp and i think it's not enough for a car like this.

140 amp for my 95 ultra

[parkavenuechrome]

Where did you look for the unit, Pepboys has new units as does autozone. New units are 169.99 or less... I paid 139.00 for mine.. brand New.

[Flatrater]

Originally Posted by parkavenuechrome

Where did you look for the unit, Pepboys has new units as does autozone. New units are 169.99 or less... I paid 139.00 for mine.. brand New.

Sorry to disagree with you those are rebuilds! They are not GM or Delco but aftermarket. Look closely and you will see the Delco name on the case. which means rebuilts.

[parkavenuechrome]

Originally Posted by Flatrater

Sorry to disagree with you those are rebuilds! They are not GM or Delco but aftermarket. Look closely and you will see the Delco name on the case. which means rebuilts.

Sorry to disagree with you, But the one I bought is brand new from PRO START.. It is most definetly not a rebiuld. I made sure it was not rebiult. The rebiulds range from 89.00-129.00 dollars the new ones start at 139.99 +.. call pepboys and ask them. You'll see.. and the casing on mine is does not say delco. It says nothing on it so i know its not a rebiuld. just aftermarket.

[Hypsi87]

I will never again trust a reman alt. We put one on my buddies heavily modded GN and when under full boost, it took a crap and anyone who knows about forced induction knows that it takes alot of voltage to jump the gap when under extemely high cylinder pressures. When the alt failed, the battery did not have enought voltage to jump the gap. The spark was way retard. pre deat happend, blew engine.

Now I know a park ave is not forced inducted. but that is the reason I do not trust them

[lglm]

I did not find a new alternator anywhere so far, not even at the dealership, but napa has a reman with a lifetime guarentee for 170 +core..here in so cal, that is an ok price for what you get, there are cheaper as stated above, but I have no idea of the quality of work..

[parkavenuechrome]

if you can't find one locally, let me know, I could locate one here in rochester Ny and have it shipped to ya.. The rebiulds are horrible. email me at [email protected] if you want more details. But pepboys does have new ones.

[lglm]

update.. i replaced the battery and the variations are still there, but much less of a variation.. :>) sooner or later i will get around to the alternator..