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alternator issue

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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 11:30 AM
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Default alternator issue

Im haveing a problem with my alternator. the auto parts store told me that it was bad so i bought a new one. now that i have the new one in they are still telling me that it is bad. I think it might be a short some where becaue it is only putting out 30 amps instead of 90. If anyone knows what might be wrong or has had this problem advice is much appriciated.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 11:32 AM
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I would not be surprised if the new alt was bad out if the box.

Check all the wiring coming from and going to the alternator and your battery.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 11:33 AM
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Do you own a voltmeter?
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 11:38 AM
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yes I do
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 11:39 AM
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Wait you are in houston, where in houston I have a good friend there that can help you.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 11:44 AM
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I wouldn't be surprised if the new one is bad either. It happens quite frequently with alternators actually..............

What VOLTAGE is it reading at the battery with a voltmeter? (and also on your voltage gauge on the dash) Should be in the 13.5 - 14.0 range if the charging system and battery are working properly
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by mentalbreakdown00
Wait you are in houston, where in houston I have a good friend there that can help you.

Im located in south houston clear lake webster area
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by tjwalker
I wouldn't be surprised if the new one is bad either. It happens quite frequently with alternators actually..............

What VOLTAGE is it reading at the battery with a voltmeter? (and also on your voltage gauge on the dash) Should be in the 13.5 - 14.0 range if the charging system and battery are working properly
reading 12.5ish at the battery and like 12.5 on the meter when i start it but after a few minute it drops suddenly to 9(all the way down)
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Whitegohst
Im haveing a problem with my alternator. the auto parts store told me that it was bad so i bought a new one. now that i have the new one in they are still telling me that it is bad. I think it might be a short some where becaue it is only putting out 30 amps instead of 90. If anyone knows what might be wrong or has had this problem advice is much appriciated.
An alternator will only generate the current that the regulator tells it to. If you only need 30A, you're only going to get 30A.

In order to generate 90A, you're going to have to make sure you're drawing 90A - either with a dummy load or actual electric loading from vehicle systems.
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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 04:20 PM
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the 30a is a number i got from the auto parts place when they tested it when it was n the jeep. i also got it tested off the jeep and it put out 90a so i think that it might be the feild regulator
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