Overcharging... loose belt?

[JohnnyC]

When I started the car to go to work this morning, the alternator belt squealed, and continued while I was driving around the neighborhood. Then my ABS light came on. Thinking my alt. took a shit, I go back home, pop the hood, and there is water all over my battery. Started the car, went to work logging on the way. Logger said the battery was charging up to 18.9 volts (higher engine reved, higher volts went.) So, obviously the battery is getting overcharged, which would be why it is spewing water. Anywho, the alt. is exactly 3 mos. old. One thing I also noticed was my temp gauge was higher then normal, and my rad. fan ran every 10 seconds. I didn't have time to tighten the belt when I got home since it was dark. But, does anyone think that it's even possible that it's just a loose belt causing this? I cant imagine a loose belt overcharging the battery. My guess is the voltage reg in the alt. is done. Just wondering what I have to look forward to tommorow, though I'm sure I'll end up pulling the alt, after I tighten the belt.

 

[Defiant]

Logger said the battery was charging up to 18.9 volts (higher engine reved, higher volts went.)

Dead alternator (regulator).

So, obviously the battery is getting overcharged, which would be why it is spewing water.

That's acid. Wash the area down with a baking soda solution, don't get any into the battery.

Anywho, the alt. is exactly 3 mos. old.

Infant mortality.

One thing I also noticed was my temp gauge was higher then normal, and my rad. fan ran every 10 seconds.

If the alternator belt's slipping, so is your waterpump drive.

I didn't have time to tighten the belt when I got home since it was dark.

Flashlight.

But, does anyone think that it's even possible that it's just a loose belt causing this?

That's causing your overheating, but no, the altenator's shot.

I cant imagine a loose belt overcharging the battery.

No, that's not possible.

My guess is the voltage reg in the alt. is done.

Mine, too.

Just wondering what I have to look forward to tommorow, though I'm sure I'll end up pulling the alt, after I tighten the belt.

No point in tightening the belt until the new alternator's in.

 

[ddavisaf]

I think that pretty much sums it up.

 

[DROOPY209]

I can almost bet the farm that the alternator is dead....

Im in the same shoes right now.....my abs light came on, brand new battery installed 2 days ago, alternator from auto zone about 4 months old.....

I have gone throught 9 alternators from autozone in less then 3 years.

get used to it, especially if you have a loud soundsystem like mine....

 

[ICGerms]

...I have gone throught 9 alternators from autozone in less then 3 years...

I'd go somewhere else for an alternator.

 

[Detail]

Tonight I'll be installing number 16 in the last two years. I've tried from 5 different stores.

 

[PIMking]

I will never get anything that is electronic from autozone here the ppl are retarted.

Now I have friends that work at o'reilleys and I get a discount so most of the time i go there. plus the let me return things that are not returnable

 

[Detail]

Has anyone tried the Napa bosch alternator and external regulator? Or is this real?

NAPAONLINE®


I'd love to able to dial in the alternator to kick 14.0 volts with everything on. After 16 aftermarket remanned units going through the car in two years I'd love to try something else.

 

[gpz750]

Remans suck in general. Only the bad part gets changed and the rest is still used aprts. Napa normally sells a good alt. since they offer a warranty that covers labor for napa autorized shops

 

[Detail]

Last round I used a alt remanned in America. this one was remanned in Mexico. Hope it was a Monday when it was done.

BTW, the remans from overseas have all failed.