[dknapp]

All, my voltage gauge started moving to the 18 volt side. I noticed that it moved down a bit when i turned on my AC. I noticed also that the inner belt was flapping a bit more than I like, but the outer belt looks fine, so I don't know what to do as I can't really move the alternator further away in the bracket to tighten the innner belt.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

dbk

 

[Mr_Roboto]

If you are truly getting 18 volts you have a problem with the voltage regulator or wiring.

To better help you, please add the details of your truck to your signature. Click on "My Home" then "Personal information" then fill in the section for signature.

 

[arthurgoboom]

If the belt is stretched that far, you may be in need of a new one, or maybe you got the wrong one (too long) at some point.

Check your voltage with a multimeter at the batteries with the engine running to see how much it's actually charging, don't rely on the in-dash gauge to diagnose problems. 13.5 volts or so is normal with engine running.

 

[dknapp]

sry - i think i posted with an older account - hopefully this one has my sig /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[dknapp]

Are there any clues with turning the aC on? it looks like the wiring goes from the alternator to the aC...

dbk

 

[Mr_Roboto]

If your regulator is *(&@#'d up and maxing out the voltage, having the A/C on will use up some of the power and therefore reduce the voltage. If the field voltage is maxed out, the alternator can charge at 18 - 19 volts.

 

[Willie]

And I am thinking that once the true charging voltage is determined if it is up on the high side the alternator is fully loaded down causing the belt to flap all the more. Then there is the issue of adding the "idler pulley" to help settle things down /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

 

[waterdude]

I have a 91' truck too. After I installed new cables and batteries, my voltage regulator showed 18 volts, overcharging like yours is doing. After my truck sat for a few hours, I went out and put my hand on the voltage regulator and it was hot to the touch, draining my batteries. Replaced my voltage regulator and all was fixed.

 

[OkieGringo]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a 91' truck too. After I installed new cables and batteries, my voltage regulator showed 18 volts, overcharging like yours is doing. After my truck sat for a few hours, I went out and put my hand on the voltage regulator and it was hot to the touch, draining my batteries. Replaced my voltage regulator and all was fixed.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, replace the voltage regulator. and if you are still having the same problem, take back the NEW regulator and get another until you get one that works correctly. I recently had same problem. Thought I had a wiring short, but it just didn't seem logical to me. First 2 were from O'Reilley's, 3rd was from Autozone and it worked perfectly /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif. Okiegringo

 

[dknapp]

Anyone have any pics of the voltage regulator?

Thanks!

David Knapp

 

[Willie]

it's silver or black, about the size of a deck of cards, with a long plug pushed in to one end. Should be sitting either on the inner fender or the wheel well just behind the passenger side battery. Check to see that the body of the regulator is grounded to the truck.