High voltage and drops (1 Viewer)

[DevWin]

I have been chasing voltage issues on my 94. I have read a bunch, but haven’t really found the exact same symptoms. When I did the headgasket this winter I also changed out the alternator brush. Since then I have noticed a few things. Most obvious was a dead battery three times during a long couple weeks of steady rain we received. Second is all the dash warning lights coming on any time there is a heavy load put on the system. Power windows and ABS actuating seem to drop the voltage and give me the Christmas tree lights.

I have done some checking with the multimeter. Engine off battery is good at 12.8. At idle it is bouncing high between 15 and 16, mostly around 15.3 ish. I need to get my wife to help check it with the power windows actuating to see how much it drops.

I have checked and cleaned the grounds, and it appears a previous owner added a few extra heavier grounds. I also swapped out the fusible link. That seemed to make starting stronger/faster, but did nothing for voltage drop. I am thinking it could be the voltage regulator not doing its job? I haven’t gotten to a auto parts store to have them test the charging system.

Any thoughts?

 

[Saito]

I'd say you're right and your voltage regulator is going bad or is bad and overcharging. Should have 14.4v or so. You're over that.

 

[DevWin]

So what are the chances my 80 is messing with me? Yesterday morning I decided to take it to advance auto and have them test the charging system. They hook up their tester and say my alternator isn’t working at all. I rev the engine and it starts working. Run the test again and everything test perfectly. I get in and try to duplicate the symptoms and they are all gone. I guess I will keep an eye on it and if they come back try to test it again.