Alternator going bad?

[-=Jeff=-]

What are some of the signs?

I noticed today when I get on it at about the 5K RPM the voltage meter on the dash starts to drop (enough to see it move) not sure what voltage it drops to..

otherwise all seems fine.. Do I need to get a replacement again?

[LGAFF]

volts being all over is a definite sign its going, check your batter terminals first make sure its tight

[LGAFF]

or might be all of the high tech gadgets you are running in your car zapping the power

[-=Jeff=-]

Sure if it all over the place, but the Needle stay put until the RPMs climb past 4K, then the voltages fall, as soon as the RPMs drop it is fine.. I doubt the 12-5v ps I added is causing the issue.. Many people are using it.. Guess I will buy an Alternator to be safe

[LantanaTX]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

Sure if it all over the place, but the Needle stay put until the RPMs climb past 4K, then the voltages fall, as soon as the RPMs drop it is fine.. I doubt the 12-5v ps I added is causing the issue.. Many people are using it.. Guess I will buy an Alternator to be safe

Most parts stores will check the charging system for free and put a load on it. I would do this before just throwing money at it.

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by LantanaTX

Most parts stores will check the charging system for free and put a load on it. I would do this before just throwing money at it.

Yeah but having a spare is always a good thing.. might buy a higher output one that was shown on here awhile back

[Blue Flame Restorations]

When mine went out of my 9500, 95, the battery light came on the display eventually.

Evidently, the car had not had a battery tender on it for some time. It does now, always.

[WVZR-1]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

What are some of the signs?

I noticed today when I get on it at about the 5K RPM the voltage meter on the dash starts to drop (enough to see it move) not sure what voltage it drops to..

otherwise all seems fine.. Do I need to get a replacement again?

You want to check the complete electrical "on the car" using a "Carbon Pile" load tester and a DMM. That's the only way to actually evaluate the system and it should be done before doing any alternator/generator OR starter replacement.

[-=Jeff=-]

OK, get down to 11 volts when at 5k rpm

Below that rpm it is high 12s, I will data log to a file next time

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

OK, get down to 11 volts when at 5k rpm

Below that rpm it is high 12s, I will data log to a file next time

Battery V should be at 14.5v or so at idle if alternator is doing it's thing.