I'm eating regulators - Diesel Forum

jamessmith · 12-11-2002, 11:01 PM

Well, this morning at startup everything went great no light fluctuation or anything out of the ordinary.After the 20 mile trip to work I could see the dash lights get brighter on acceleration along with the headlights.When I got home tonight I thought I'd see how the lights were acting and nothing,no fluctuation.But remembering this morning and not using the lights on my way home I took it for a spin and after about 5 miles the lights started up again so I came home and came up with these numbers; key off-13.11 volts/ just started-16.30 and it steadily climbed to 16.93 volts while I stood there holding the multimeter.Given throttle and it jumps to 17.40 in a couple seconds.I wonder if something about the van is frying the regs or maybe I should just shell out 300.00 and buy a brand new alternator?.What I don't understand is it read 13.40 at idle and 13.80 high idle only yesterday and I've done nothing to it but drive to work. I guess I'd have the system checked before I put anything new in there though. James

MADVAN · 12-12-2002, 08:49 PM

James

You got a winner I'am dumbfounded. I would of thought this was long behind you. I would go to hands on exp.
Good luck let us know the verdic

BILL

CompuDoc · 12-12-2002, 09:47 PM

I'd replace the alternator. See if that place I told you about in my PM to you will ship it to you. You'll save about 100 bucks plus it has a lifetime warranty.

MADVAN · 12-13-2002, 05:53 PM

James
That alt has two rectifier assemblies or one? If it has two did you replace just one?
Also this might help E-BAY item #1874522290 is 130amp alt new aprox 75.00. It's for diesel vans.

GOOD LUCK BILL

jamessmith · 12-21-2002, 07:56 PM

Well,I'm making progress with this alternator besides being able to remove and replace it in under 10 minutes!.I took the alternator to Fullerton diesel electric after explaining the situation with the alt and the other shop etc and he told me he'd at least be able to show me what was wrong and maybe some advice.4 seconds on his machine and an internal short was found,he said probably in the windings.I went back to the shop that did the original rebuild and explained what the other shop had found and he re-rebuilt it with all new parts and from what I can tell it seems right.At least my multimeter doesn't read any continuity to ground,but I still get a short reading from the light green wire with the red stripe from the regulator to the ign switch.so I guess I'm going to have it towed to fullerton diesel electric and find out if it's safe to install the alt for the last time. James