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-   66-67 GTO Tempest & LeMans TECH (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=430)
-   -   What amount of voltage should be at the battery terminals when car is running? (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=789381)

Check6 04-17-2016 02:46 PM

What amount of voltage should be at the battery terminals when car is running?
 
Just replaced my battery on my 66 GTO 389 4 speed. What voltage should I be reading at the terminals with the car running? Also how do I check the voltage regulator and alternator for correct voltage output?
Thanks,
Fred

tekheavy 04-17-2016 03:05 PM

I'm sure you'll get a lot of difference answers, but you should be in the neighborhood of around 13.8 volts with the car running. If you're down in the low 12's or nearing 15 volts or higher, you probably have alternator or regulator issues.

Check6 04-17-2016 03:27 PM

Mine is reading over 15 volts with the engine running. How can I check the regulator and alternater. Is the voltage regulator built into the alternator?
Thanks,
Fred

60sstuff 04-17-2016 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Check6 (Post 5563738)
Mine is reading over 15 volts with the engine running. How can I check the regulator and alternater. Is the voltage regulator built into the alternator?
Thanks,
Fred

On a stock 66 the voltage regulator (Delco-Remy) is mounted on the firewall.

Check6 04-17-2016 04:21 PM

OK guys thanks for the input. I disconnected the leads going into the voltage regulator and plugged them back in moving them around. Now I'm getting 13.5 volts with the car running and the headlights and blower motor on. Guess I had a bad connection at the voltage regulator.
Thanks,
Fred

Longs 04-17-2016 04:27 PM

If I recall correctly, the external regulator should limit the voltage to about 14.5 volts. That's one of the reasons that if the battery goes bad, the charging system can't "force" a charge into the battery - the voltage limit.

GT182 04-17-2016 07:54 PM

Check6, clean the trerminals and the plug side then use a bit of dielectric grease on the terminals so the don't corrode.


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