volt gage question

I was returning home in the A-coupe tonight and I noticed the volt gage dropped to 12 volts going down the road. it has always read 14 volts before when cruising around. My guess is that the internal regulator went south- sound correct? thanks

 

sounds like what you describe, the alternator ain't alternating. either the reg went out or the diodes opened. either way , not charging.


jerry

 

jerry's right the alternator probably took a shit on ya

 

Low voltage problem found!! While starting to un-hook the alt. for replacement, I found that the terminal on the HEAVY 8 gage wire that runs from the alt to the starter post had broken off on the alt end. It seems that the 8 gage wire is very stiff and doesnt flex like a 10 gage wire,therefore, lots of stress on the ring terminal. Since I only use a 65 amp alt, I will be going back to 10 gage wire. If you are using the 8 gage wire, I would give it a good inspection at the terminal ends. I had enough slack for vibration "motor rock" also. Dale