Replaced my Brush/Regulator assembly last year. Bought it from NAPA. Seemed decent and it had an adjustable regulator that I thought was nifty. Alternator was operating just the brushes were at end of life. I can adjust the reg to 13.40V at low and 13.90 volt at high at the battery. I figured i should get 14.2V.
Thought maybe the wiring was a little aged so 13.9 was acceptable. I have had a few weak/dead battery issues lately so I am questioning the alternator or wiring. Draw on the battery power off/key out is 0.01amp. I figure that is the radio memory circuit or other non threatnening memory circuits.
Taking voltage readings during operation I will get anywhere from 13.38V -13.88V depending on accesorries used like lights, seat heater, heater fan, or other current eaters.
Is this acceptable? Will you get minor voltage fluctuations when you operate the turn signals or brakes or should the alternator regulate this to 14.2 smoothly?
Maybe the cheap battery I bought at Wal-Mart is junk (don't laugh it was the only store open at 9PM on a wintery Sunday 6 years ago)
ideas? Anyone?