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jack3795
New User
Mar 14, 2014, 9:00 PM
Post #1 of 6
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alternator over charging
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I have a 1960 tbird that has been converted from generator to a 1964 tbird alternator with voltage regulator on the fender. This conversion was done many years ago. Recently wouldn't start found battery wire corroded and broken free from back of alternator. Repaired connection (soldered connector) and charged battery. Battery read 12.7 volts then 15.5 volts when running. Check voltmeter on another car and read 12.5 (not running).
Replaced volt. reg. and still 15.5 volts at idle and higher. Is this 15.5 volts too high? Why is it so high and what (if any) is my problem?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 15, 2014, 2:31 AM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: alternator over charging
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I can tell you for sure that 15.5 volts is definitely too high and will destroy your battery and likely many electrical components and bulbs. Finding the reason why could be more difficult though. Look real hard at the wiring and make sure none of it is damaged or shorted to ground. You might also try a different battery.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 15, 2014, 6:05 AM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: alternator over charging
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Be sure of your actual voltage readings. 15.5 sustained is too much. If anything close to an original voltage regulator it's adjustable! Some newer solid state ones will just plug in. IDK who did what to change it so just look. The plug alone to it was a common failure.
May be different color but may look a lot like this.........
Two screws/bolts and that cover comes off to set voltage range which a new one should already be or someone along the way messed with it? If old I think it's just a paper seal needed that will tear up and moisture wreck the thing.
In stock item still just about $22 bucks, barely worth fussing with for that,
T
(on edit) don't delay. I think your dash gauge items are 6V based ballasted (sp?) down from era of 6v vehicles being common)
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Mar 15, 2014, 6:08 AM)
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jack3795
New User
Mar 17, 2014, 4:24 PM
Post #4 of 6
(1517 views)
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Re: alternator over charging
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I am sorry to ask about this car again but I replaced the battery and got the charging volts down to 14.7 volts.
Isn't this too high?
What would you consider the charging voltage limit?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 17, 2014, 4:33 PM
Post #5 of 6
(1515 views)
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Re: alternator over charging
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No, that's fine
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 18, 2014, 5:53 AM
Post #6 of 6
(1504 views)
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Re: alternator over charging
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Agree, IMO fine. Aim seems to be 13.5 to 14.5 while running for most. Some will drop some at idle or spike a bit right after a start up. By over 16 to 18 or worse you will blow things mostly plain bulbs at first.
Idea for you. Cheap and pretty good thingy. Plugs in cig lighter is a digital voltmeter with LED red, amber, green lights tells you ongoing voltage plus you see how much it drops when for instance you are cranking it. Real voltage for any.
Just handy, small, easy and cheap for decent fast info and don't even need to open a hood,
T
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