Charging Problem.....

[Butcher52]

Ok my nieghbor has a 86 Monte Carlo with a 305 I think in it and the alt. light stays on real dim when idleing and when you give it some gas it goes out. The problem is if you run the headlights or the heater or whatever else and shut the car off it won't start without jumping it. Now if you sit and run the engine a while and then shut it off it will start up. Please help.

Thank You

[dwalmop]

Replace the battery and the alternator - problem should be solved. It sounds like the alternator is working, but not putting out the required 14.-- volts that it should be. Best thing to do is to start it and test voltage at the battery while it's running. If it's under about 13. - 13.5 volts (still a little low, but manageable) then alternator is bad. It also sounds like the battery is unable to keep a charge, which is why I suggested replacing that as well.

[HellzX]

Chances are the brushes are worn out in the alt. Get an alt. rebuild kit for like $20 and do it yourself. You can trade yours in and get a rebuilt one as well. Once that is done, put the battery on a charger and let it charge overnight. Slap everything back in and you should be good to go.