ZXT83

Recently i replaced my altenator but i still find myself having to charge my battery to start my car from time to time. Any suggestions on what may be the problem would be greatly appreciated

NismoPick

How many amps / volts is the new alternator putting out?

ZXT83

its a 60 amp altenator, im not sure what its putting out, do i use a multi meter to test that, if so how? Im still learning how to work on cars here, also, i test it while the car is running correct?

NismoPick

Take it to Autozone, or hook up a voltmeter to the + post on the alt.

ZXT83

thanks ill get it tested

ZXT83

Is it possible i just have a shity battery

NismoPick

Anything is "possible". Check the volts already!

Bleach

If it only drains after you shut the car off them maybe you have a small voltage drain while the car sets. The issue may not be the alternator or battery at all.

ZXT83

Bleach has a good point, the battery does drain after the car sits long enough, and i check the volts asap

ZXT83

i got 12.3v from the altenator, but its not charging the battery i dont understand can someone enlighten me?

NismoPick

A car battery should be @ 12.6 volts. If your alternator is putting out 12.3v, you are technically draining your battery. Alternators should put out 14 to 14.5v. If it's not, the alternator or voltage regulator is toast, or there is something funky w/ the charge wire.

ZXT83

Do you have a pic of the voltage regulator so i know what im looking for. I cant find a pic in my fsm or im just retarted

ZXT83

im going to assume it is the voltage regulator because the alternator is brand new and the wires dont look bad at all

NismoPick

It's internal in the 280zx's. If you take it to an alternator shop they can probably repair it, otherwise you just get to buy a new/reman alternator from your local parts store (either way will be about the same cost).

ZXT83

Thanks for the help nismo, im just gonna pull the damn thing get it tested and check the wiring for it

SHADY280

you could have a blown fusable link, alternator wont charge at all. the battery should be above 9.6 while starting, 12.6 at rest and more than 13.8 while running.

ZXT83

ill test all the fusible link wires i replaced a melted one a while back, can anyone possibly post a link on a maxi fuse upgrade. Im not to sure how that works

User395

The car needs to be running in order to test it so, it wouldn't be a good idea to take it off. The engine needs to be "cranking" it for it to produce the juice. Just take it to autozone and they will test it for free.

It is easy to change it out so don't worry.

Bleach

You can change just the voltage regulator but you have to tear into the alt and do some soldering at the bottom of it inside. If its new it should be exchanged because its not your problem to be fixing a new alternator.

flatblack

I had so many charging issues that got fixed when I went to the SCOCHE fuse blocks.

Unfortunately this is the only picture I have of mine, this was when I first put them in:

IMG_3189.jpg?t=1254969160

The Beige is an 80, the Green is a 30 that the Reds are 50.

Here's the Atlantic Z Car link:

http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/f...nks/index.html

The Schoche blocks are about $9 at Walmart.

ZXT83

Thanks for the link, that's gonna help me out a lot

ZXT83

I see that the fuse blocks are powered by the battery cable run to the starter pos but how are these blocks grounded? Or do they need be?