Ah, finaly got the thing properly installed and belts aligned. Now when I am running the ALT idiot light is on. How do I determine if it is indeed the alternator or just a bad wiring job on the light? The car has been strated at least 50 tomes in the last week, driven 3o miles or so and the battireies (2 in trunk) are stil holding up fine. I do not have an ammeter gauge installed, although I do have one on the shelf to check it. Is there a simple was to tell if it is light or truly a wiring issue? Scott
Get a good volt meter and put it on the DC scale. Measure the battery voltage with the car off. Should be around 12 to 12.5 volts. Now run the car at a fast idle. Voltage should ideally go up to 13.8v.
Mavaholic, thanks. I am an electrical idiot! I would rather adjust valve lash than play with wires and electrical, but it all goes together! STupid ?, where do I take the reading from? Scott
Since I have all the equipment at my garage I rarely seek help elsewhere but if a guy with no shop needed help Autozone will check it for free in the parking lot and you will also get a amp reading instead of just a voltage reading. Good luck
similar problem I have a problem with my 76 as well. I have changed the Alternator, voltage regulator, battery cables and that idoit light still keeps coming on, going off. It stays off while I running down the road and most times while I'm stopped. I did notice that it mainly comes on when the motor is cold but after it has run for a while it seems fine, but not all the time. Any suggestions?
It could be as simple as belt tension. If the belts are slipping any, the alternator is not spinning fast enough and the voltage drops. Slipping belts don't always squeal.
I know this is sacrelig..but I put a GM 100 amp internally regulated alt on mine..I polished the housing after I drilled the holes to man sized bolts It cleaned up ALOT of wiring harness
