High voltage

[Black_Stalon]

So I notice my windows going up and down at an actual normal pace (usually hella slow), my wipers are moving much faster and all my lights are brighter.

So I meter the voltage output of the alternator and its pushin out 17.6 volts consistanlty. Is the voltage regulation done internally inside the alternator? Is there some way to adjust this to bring it back down to a nominal level? And also is it safe to run the car with this high voltage condition? As it stands now the car runs fine.

The alternator itself is only 1.5yrs old, my car has been leaking some oil in that area as well and im running it with both timing belt covers off.. maybe oil getting into the windings of the alt would cause this??

any thoughts appreciated thx.

 

[LiquidOC]

I'm pretty sure that there's no way to adjust the regulator on the alternator....but to run without any timing belt covers is just insane....I hope you have a spare head laying around. J/K, it's your choice. Anyway, I'm pretty sure it's not good to be running that high of a current out of your alternator, and you should get it tested at your local autozone or something, if it turns out that it's bad, get one of their alternators with a lifetime warranty, as you'll be replacing it a few more times if you have your car for a while, unless you get really lucky, and get a good one the first time.

(NOTE: I am not a mechanic, and I could be wrong. I'm stating all this from previous experience.)

 

[fr33b1rth]

just to warn you, it is VERY common for a voltage regulator to go out, and that's the way it's always been. On new alternators i know of no way to replace them as they are internal. All the alternators that i've seen that the voltage spikes, or is constantly overvolting have needed to be replaced. The voltage regulators used to be external, but you know how things are done now...

 

[Black_Stalon]

thanks for the info, looks like ill be replacing the alt asap. dont wanna run too long at 17+ volts, who knows what else could happen.

 

[Black_Stalon]

Im thinking of replacing the voltage regulator inside the alternator, talked to a few people, they say its not that bad of a job, anyone here done it?

 

[92awddsm]

Ive done it on a gm altenator and it was fairly easy but never had to on a dsm alt. With that much voltage, you risk frying fuses, solenoids and the ecu so IMHO, I wouldnt run it till its fixed. I would also replace the bearings while you are in there. Shouldnt take much more time or $, that is if you can find the reair parts. And if you do, let us know where and how much they cost.