This started happening on the way home tonight

[xxcarguy]

Is this a voltage regulator problem?
These pics in sequence.
Elapse time 3 seconds.
The drop is under acceleration.
The jump is letting off and the light come up brighter.
Thoughts?

 

[Davea Lux]

Is this a voltage regulator problem?
These pics in sequence.
Elapse time 3 seconds.
The drop is under acceleration.
The jump is letting off and the light come up brighter.
Thoughts?

View attachment 379893

View attachment 379894

View attachment 379895

If the drop is under acceleration, most likely you have a bad diode in the alternator. With one bad diode you will get a few amps but under load there is not enough output to match the load.

Dave

 

[Trace 300 Hurst]

And if you can learn about the simple process of removing and pressing in Pos and Neg diodes into the proper "sides" of the alt, you'll spend a total of One or Two dozen dollars (in parts) to make that alternator work like new.

 

[cbarge]

Check the brushes in the back of alternator..may need a cleaing or replacement. Cheap.
A spare regulator will never hurt. I recommend getting an eletronic one.

 

[bigmoparjeff]

Could be as simple as a slipping alternator belt.

Jeff

 

[xxcarguy]

Will start with the alternator and the belt.
I don’t drive it at night very much but it really became apparent last night.
Electronic regulator. Those are done by a member here? I believe it is Bill.
Thanks for the help! Will let you know.

 

[Big_John]

Electronic regulator. Those are done by a member here? I believe it is Bill.

@FURYGT is your guy.

The electronic regulator is a very good mod, and I do recommend it, but that's probably not your problem. My bet is on a slipping belt.

As always, try to figure out the problem with the existing bits and pieces in place before adding new parts or mods to the mix. I would take a voltage reading at the battery and while trying to duplicate the problem. Check for loose or corroded battery cables at both the battery, block, and starter, and make sure the wires to the alternator and regulator are tight.

 

[Trace 300 Hurst]

As always, try to figure out the problem with the existing bits and pieces in place before adding new parts or mods to the mix. I would take a voltage reading at the battery and while trying to duplicate the problem. Check for loose or corroded battery cables at both the battery, block, and starter, and make sure the wires to the alternator and regulator are tight.

And maybe the bulkhead connectors, in both the engine compartment and under the dash? Maybe the dreaded "big alternator wire bulkhead terminal meltdown" is starting. (what do we normally call that problem, please?)

 

[xxcarguy]

Yes, I agree not to change anything until we can check all parts.

 

[Big_John]

Maybe the dreaded "big alternator wire bulkhead terminal meltdown" is starting. (what do we normally call that problem, please?)

We could start calling it that. Maybe "BAWBTMD" to abbreviate it.

 

[Trace 300 Hurst]

We could start calling it that. Maybe "BAWBTMD" to abbreviate it.

Hmmmmmmmm........not extraordinarily catchy, is it.

 

[cbarge]

Hmmmmmmmm........not extraordinarily catchy, is it.

Until the car "catches" on fire,LOL