Is my alternator going out?

[devon527]

I searched but couldnt find anything like whats happening to my car. Just did the motor swap but I had to keep my alternator from my 88 motor because of the plugs.

Anyways, on tuesday i was going to work, my lights started dimming, stereo shut off, but the car kept running even when I took the wired off the battery so I knew the alternator was doing its job. I realized both of my battery terminal connectors were REALLY loose even tightened all the way. I replaced those and the car has run perfect until last night, did the same exact thing.

My dad said its not my battery, so I'm thinking its alternator or something else weird... Please help guys, need it on the road by monday

[jtugfestiva]

Have the battery tested and check voltage at your battery. should be around 13.5-14.7 at battery while running.

[devon527]

We checked the battery while running, 13 volts

[Team Lightning]

Autozone and Advance auto normally will check your charging/starting for free.
If You have one close, i would take it over there and get them to check it.

[91mcnasty]

Since the motor was out not too long ago check all your grounds maybe one is lose.

[FFW]

Has to be the grounds.

[festyfreak39]

im thinking its alternator, check the alt belt see if its tight or even on for that fact, thats happened to me before, bought a new alternator to see that the belt was off

[WmWatt]

Also check the voltage on the battery when the car is not running. If it drops below 11 v it needs charging.

[devon527]

My dad seems to think something is going out in the alternator, something that only works when it feels like it? The belt is pretty tight, if anything it needs to be loosened because it makes noise when I first start it up. Might go order in a new alternator tonight unless its just a ground, haven't been home though today.

[link5186]

It could be an issue at a specific rpm. I had one do that before. Good at idle with a dead spot at 3.5k-4k rpms on a Geo tracker. Lights would dim bad at cruising speed and pick back up at idle.

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[crazyrog17]

A lot of people don't realize that the strongest ground is at the alternator. Make sure your ground strap between the engine and body is in good condition too. It might make intermittent connection if it's corroded or broken.

[nitrofarm]

Have the battery tested and check voltage at your battery. should be around 13.5-14.7 at battery while running.

Yes what jtugfestiva said is correct. And you said you are only getting 13 volts. That is def not enough. With your brite lights on & heater blower on high. You still should be putting out 14.5 at idle. Sounds like Alt its not putting out. Check All metal conectors first though. But 13 volts wont cut it. 13v = what happened to you while driving. These Festy's have good little Alt's you just cant run the belt to tight. It'll ruin the bearings.

[GenevaDirt]

The belt is pretty tight, if anything it needs to be loosened because it makes noise when I first start it up.

that is a sign of a loose belt....not to tight of one. It squeals on start up and then catches....you may have a slipping belt while running down the road. Check for a glossy shine , if present , it is slipping.

[devon527]

that is a sign of a loose belt....not to tight of one. It squeals on start up and then catches....you may have a slipping belt while running down the road. Check for a glossy shine , if present , it is slipping.

Awesome I will check for that. My old belt had the notches in it, but the new motor had a newer looking belt that didn't have notches, could that be a problem?

[GenevaDirt]

Awesome I will check for that. My old belt had the notches in it, but the new motor had a newer looking belt that didn't have notches, could that be a problem?

not really....just a different brand