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80 GTBi Charging System help

Discussion in '308/328' started by 911rcr, Aug 31, 2013.

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  1. 911rcr

    911rcr Karting

    Feb 4, 2008
    185
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #1 911rcr, Aug 31, 2013
    Okay guys, heres the problem: I was out driving the other day for about 45 minutes and the car slowly started losing electrical power, obviously running on the battery. Got her home, recharged the battery and confirmed battery voltage only when I fired her up again. Assumed the alternator had failed, which was rebuilt 2 years ago, and sent it back to the overhaul facility to have it checked. Bench test yielded 64 amps and 13.4 volts. After getting it back and reinstalling Im still only getting battery voltage. With the rear heat shield on I cant access the alternator to check it directly, but I checked the voltage at the starter.

    The odd part here is that when I start the car the Gen light acts the same as it always does, comes on ititially then extinguishes with a throttle blip.

    What am I missing? Thanks in advance for any advice!
     
  2. 911rcr

    911rcr Karting

    Feb 4, 2008
    185
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #2 911rcr, Aug 31, 2013
    Okay, so went back to recheck the voltage this morning and am now getting 13.8 volts at idle at the battery. Going to let things cool down and recheck cold.

    Man do I hate intemittent problems!!!!
     
  3. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,809
    Cerritos, CA.
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #3 miketuason, Aug 31, 2013
    I think 13.4 out of the alternator is kind of low, you should be getting at least 14 volts, and at 13.8 at the battery is good. You could have an intermittent voltage regulator problem if so, that's an easy fix, it's right at back of the alt.
     
  4. 308 GTSi

    308 GTSi Rookie

    Jul 12, 2013
    29
    Rochester,Mn
    #4 308 GTSi, Aug 31, 2013
    I had this problem also. If you turn the car on with out starting it, the battery light should come on. If not, change the bulb and the car will charge properly again
     
  5. 911rcr

    911rcr Karting

    Feb 4, 2008
    185
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #5 911rcr, Sep 1, 2013
    Thanks for the responses guys. I ran it again this morning from cold. "G" light comes on as it should, however after the initial throttle blip to extinguish it, goes out for a while but will reilliuminate at idle. Battery voltage only when on. Close to 14 volts after holding off idle around 2500.

    Weak regulator?
     
  6. 308 GTSi

    308 GTSi Rookie

    Jul 12, 2013
    29
    Rochester,Mn
    #6 308 GTSi, Sep 1, 2013
    if you don't care about originality, I have been running a NAPA alternator since last year with no issues. Part 213-8787. About $65.
     
  7. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #7 Paul_308, Sep 1, 2013
    Your charging system is fine but your battery has lost a great amount of it's capacity and requires changing.

    So, don't charge, change-CHANGE. Besides, it's easier to CHANGE the battery than the alternator but that's a nice side effect.

    With time, heat blown from the radiator and adverse storage conditions, batteries will gradually build a deposit on the surface of the plates, limiting the area exposed to electrolyte thus limiting area available to store electrons.

    I buy batteries with 3 year full replacement warranty and change them free without hassle just before that period expires. When you get your new battery, put the receipt in a small sandwich bag and scotch tape it to the side of the battery.
     

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