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gixxer6nick
User
Jan 13, 2006, 3:36 PM
Post #1 of 5
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power surging on mustang
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1988 Ford Mustang LX 4cyl 2.3L automatic
While in park or neutral, the voltage gauge constantly surges from around 10v-15v. Each time it surges, the idle changes as well from 750rmp-1100rmp, and I keep on hearing a click/popping sound with it. Anyone have a clue what's going on? Has a brand new battery/alternator in it.
Thanks for any info,
Nick
Daytona Beach, FL
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 13, 2006, 8:39 PM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: power surging on mustang
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I'm near certain the voltage regulater is in the new alternator. That should not allow a reading of 15V ever! You'll start blowing lights and who knows what if it went much higher. My guess is bad new alternator. T
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gixxer6nick
User
Jan 16, 2006, 3:28 PM
Post #3 of 5
(1868 views)
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Re: power surging on mustang
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Thanks for the info Tom! I take the alt. in to get it checked out. What's the average life span on an alt. ?
Thanks,
Nick
Daytona Beach, FL
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 16, 2006, 6:08 PM
Post #4 of 5
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Average lifespan of an Alternator?
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The life of things like this is still a mystery to me. Some last decades and some just hours??
Most of us buy these things rebuilt. They are kind of a motor not so unlike a starter motor, wiper motor and others throughout the car.
What's out of sight in an Alternator is a diode trio, voltage regulator, bearings and brushes (which are a carbon spring loaded wearing item that makes electrical contact) which are frequently the fault. Some rebuilders only replace what they find wrong with your trade-in -- clean it up pretty and sell it again. Some put all new stuff in them and even that can fail??
For a guess: Cars with daytime running lights and electric fuel pumps are working an alternator harder so probably won't last as long but it's a crap shoot. I will venture a guess that a good one will last 75,000 miles. Speaking for myself - I don't just put a new/rebuilt one in any car as a preventative measure as I just can't tell for sure. T
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gixxer6nick
User
Jan 19, 2006, 3:15 PM
Post #5 of 5
(1864 views)
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Re: Average lifespan of an Alternator?
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Thanks for the knowledge Tom!
Nick
Daytona Beach, FL
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