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Voltage drops significantly under heavy loads 200 1984

posted by Lord Volvo on Fri Oct 10 09:50 CST 2008
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last visit: Sat Oct 4 15:55 CST 2014

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I have a new rebuilt alternator in my 240 that I think is a 100 amp unit. (See this thread for more info: http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=1278071&show_all=1 ) It was working fine until recently when I placed a heavy load on the electrical system (headlights, blower, two seat heaters, brake lights). At that moment while the engine was idling, my volt meter plunged from about 14 volts to just outside the lower red zone. (The voltage went back up upon acceleration.) This was unexpected since I assumed that this new 100 amp alternator was more powerful than the old one, which never had a problem of handling similar loads.

In addition to the newer alternator, I also placed a new Bosch regulator, battery cables and battery into the car, so I wasn't expecting any electrical maladies for quite some time.

Should I have this alternator checked by someone? I still have the original one, which I could have rebuilt and reinstalled into the car.

Any other ideas? Thanks.
--
Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 265,000 miles
Original engine, transmission, drive train, alternator, starter
Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

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Voltage drops significantly under heavy loads 200 1984

posted by Stickbuilder on Fri Oct 10 10:22 CST 2008
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 03:31 CST 2014

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Check your belt tension as well. Mine was on the loose side of spec (still within) and it was doing the same thing. Retensioned the belt to mid point of spec, and all was well again.

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Voltage drops significantly under heavy loads 200 1984

posted by Lord Volvo on Fri Oct 10 12:31 CST 2008
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last visit: Sat Oct 4 15:55 CST 2014

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That makes sense since there was a lot of moisture in the air this morning when it happened. The belt did slip when I first installed the alternator. I'm afraid to tension it too tightly, though. I'll check it out this weekend.
--
Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 265,000 miles
Original engine, transmission, drive train, alternator, starter
Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

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Voltage drops significantly under heavy loads 200 1984

posted by pageda on Fri Oct 10 10:09 CST 2008
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 13:18 CST 2014

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It sounds like it is working OK and should be expected to lower voltage momentarily when all that stuff is on. What is the condition of the battery?
Dan

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Voltage drops significantly under heavy loads 200 1984

posted by Lord Volvo on Fri Oct 10 12:32 CST 2008
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last visit: Sat Oct 4 15:55 CST 2014

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The battery is only a few months old - an Interstate. No acid leaks by the terminals.
--
Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 265,000 miles
Original engine, transmission, drive train, alternator, starter
Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

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