| FAQ |
| Members List |
| Social Groups |
| Calendar |
| Search |
| Today's Posts |
|
#1
08-08-2012, 10:22 PM
|
|||
|
|||
Charging system
I have a 1973 455 in a 1966 GTO. The dash alt. light stays on. The battery won't hold a charge. How do I tell if the Alternator and Voltage regulator are working OK?
Thanks, Dave |
|
#2
08-09-2012, 12:27 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Has this problem just started in a running driving car or did you just swap the motor and this is now happening? If the latter, are you running the 74 alternator? If so did you bypass the original external regulator? More info please, and welcome to the forum!
__________________
 1970 GTO 458 CID .040 over 4 Bolt 428 Block, Forged Eagle 455 Crank, 295 CFM SD KRE D-Ports, SD Old Faithful HR Cam + Comp HR Lifters, PPR Maxx-lite rods, Racetec pistons, PRW 1.65 SS Rockers, 900CFM Holley HP TBI, Performer RPM, Hooker Super Comps, 3" X-Pipe into 2.5" mufflers/tailpipes, 2.75 1st TH400, Continental 13" Converter, 8.5" 3.08 Posi. Everything installed, fired up and tuning has begun! |
|
#3
08-09-2012, 12:35 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
It would depend on how stock your electrical system is. Assuming you have the stock electrical system with the external voltage regulator on the radiator support, then try the insructions in this link, at post #9.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/test...or-180802.html It will tell you if your regulator is bad. If you have the internally regulated alternator (NOT stock for 66) then your best bet is to pull the alternator and have it tested at an auto parts store. If you have the external regulator, my guess would be that the regulator is bad. They weren't that reliable compared to the solid state gear. Might want to try posting this in the electrical section of these forums. George Kujanski has helped many a dude with bad electrical systems.
__________________
"...ridge reamer and ring compressor? Do they have tools like that?" |
|
#4
08-09-2012, 06:23 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
If you want to know if the system is charging or not there two ways to test it. Start the engine and remove the positive battery cable, if it dies then the alternator or voltage regulator is not charging. The other way is to test the battery voltage with the engine off then start it up and test it again if your voltage goes up then your charging. I agree if your using the factory charging system chances are it's the voltage regulator.
__________________
Tim Corcoran |
|
#5
08-10-2012, 01:25 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Tim, I like your second test, but the first might get drobert or others in trouble. If the alternator is working, it will be at a heavy charge replacing the loss from starting the car and the battery will be gassing as its charge is being built up. Kind of the perfect storm for blowing the top off the battery. Of course if it doesn't blow up, then you know the alternator isn't charging.
__________________
Mick Batson 1967 original owner Tyro Blue/black top 4-speed HO GTO with all the original parts stored safely away -- 1965 Catalina Safari Wagon. |
|
#6
08-10-2012, 10:24 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Pull the plug from reg. take a jumper wire and on the plug go from pin#1 to pin#3 and if it is charging that will tell you the alt. is good and the reg. is bad-----BOB
|
|
#7
08-10-2012, 06:26 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
How about the really lazy way?
After I put my car together the light was on, so one of the first things I did after the initial test drive was to stop by the local Advance Auto. Most of the local parts stores still have the test equipment to check our old charging systems and they will do it for free in the parking lot. My problem turned out to be the voltage regulator. I replaced it right there on the spot using their tools and have had no problems since. That was 3 years ago. It was actually a fun way to show off my new engine and detailed engine compartment.
__________________
1969 Lemans vert, matador red, 462 CI, 3.07 12-bolt posi 1974 455 TA, admiralty blue/red interior HPP "cover car" - sold "The best way to show a car is to drive it" |
| Reply |
|
|
The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.
Linear Mode
