I need help ASAP

[Jhay3]

First off. The motor is a 350 on a chevy monza.

Here's the problem. I had a 100amp corvette alternator that broke down on me due to just being too old. I went to Kragens and picked up a stock HO 63amp and installed it. Lasted about 3 days then stopped charging. On those days, I noticed that my voltmeter is jumping back & forth from 15 to 12.5 volts. Thinking its just a bad part, I had Kragens give a replacement. This time checking it before the installation which checks out fine. Put it on, jumped the car and it starts and stayed on 15volts. 15 mins on idling and revving the motor, the voltmeter started jumping again then it went flat to 12.5 volts. The next day, the car started fine. Drove 1 block to get some stoggies and the fucking battery is drained again. Went back to Kragens and tested the alternator and its not putting out enough amps like it use to.

So now I'm stuck and the car as well. Anybody have any idea on whats going on?! Is it just Kragens or is there anyway that the motor is messing up the alternator?!

I really need this car back on the streets.......Thanks in advance..

[Longroof]

Is the alternator externaly regulated? If it is it sounds like a regulator problem.

[Jhay3]

Originally posted by Longroof
Is the alternator externaly regulated? If it is it sounds like a regulator problem.

I have no idea.

A friend mentioned that last night but he said mine is built in the alternator. He also added that I might have a bad connection on the main power wire going to the starter which is making the internal regulator switch on/off constantly and eventually burning the alternator. I kinda had an idea on what he was talking about but still trying to understand he's concept. Maybe you guys can make a point out of it.....

Oh yeah, I should just be able to trace the wires from the alternator to the regulator if its external, right?!

[Longroof]

The regulator is about 4x4x2 and has 4 wires connected to it. If you do have on its probably the problem. Theres always the the option of going to a single wire alt. too. All you need to run one is a 12 gauge or so wire to the battery. Theres alternator rebuilder down here in San Jose that sells 100 ampers for about $100.

Autolectrics - (408) 559-3540

[FlameZ]

Hey bro, i had the same problem in my camaro. The problem was that i needed a high amp alternator, the stock type alternator wasnt keeping up. The high amp alternator is quite a bit more $$, but it is worth it. Hope it helps.

[Jhay3]

Originally posted by FlameZ
Hey bro, i had the same problem in my camaro. The problem was that i needed a high amp alternator, the stock type alternator wasnt keeping up. The high amp alternator is quite a bit more $$, but it is worth it. Hope it helps.

The thing is, 63 amps should just be alright for the car. I mean, I don't have an a/c I don't even have a heater. There's nothing in the car that should require me to have that much of amps except for the lights.....hmmmm.. well, I'll check in too that though.

Thanks..

[Moloko]

I'll also go with the regulator, or some kind of short in the wiring.

[Sniper]

it is MOST DEFINITELY a bad regulator......get a new alternator....and make sure it's bigger than 63A.....

[krazy69stallion]

why not just get a one wire alternater from summit. i think the 100amps go for about 110.00

[TeXasRaVeR]

At first, it does sound like your V.Reg is overcharging your alternator. However, the quickly drained battery sounds like a short to ground. Check all your ground connections. Typically from battery to engine, and engine to firewall or where ever it is on your car.
You can get the single wire "exciter" type alternator, but you better check your ground, or throw another alternator away.
And I thought Chevy 350 w/Delco alternators were internally regulated. My Old Mustang has an external V.Reg mounted by the wheel well in the engine bay, I replaced my regulator too, come to find out, it was simply a bad ground. And it kept killing my new batteries...damn i felt dumb.