voltage drop

[VAL]

My 86 silverado k10 has a voltage problem. Everyting works just fine, the problem is when I turn on my headlights, a/c together, my voltage guage drops dramatically from 14 to 6 volts. My power windows slow down, headlights arent so bright at a stand still, it reurns to normal after acceleration. If anyone has advice on a fix, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[HotRodPC]

Sounds like a weak alternator. Of Course check all connections, grounds etc. Does it start OK?

And do the Big 3 electrical upgrade.

 

[VAL]

Brand new alternator, battery, lights. And still a voltage drop.

 

[HotRodPC]

MIght consider changing cables. Sometimes they get alot of corroson built up in the core inside the coating and that will draw the power down too.

The Big 3 will eliminate that too.

 

[Jims86]

Yep, that battery power has to travel a loooooong way before it gets to your power dist. box. battery, to satrter, forward, up the front of the engine, back to the firewall, across the firewall wher it connects to a power block, then passed the brake booster, and down and into the firewall. If you have any frays, and corrosion, it makes a long trip even longer.

 

[HotRodPC]

The Big 3 Thread. Just something you might consider doing while you're troubleshooting this problem.

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3840

 

[HotRodPC]

Yep, that battery power has to travel a loooooong way before it gets to your power dist. box. battery, to satrter, forward, up the front of the engine, back to the firewall, across the firewall wher it connects to a power block, then passed the brake booster, and down and into the firewall. If you have any frays, and corrosion, it makes a long trip even longer.

Yep. It's amazing how PEREFECT looking cables can be so horrible in actual condition. Kinda like when a PERFECT rubber brake line blows the inside walls out and then it works like a one way valve and hangs your brakes up.

 

[bucket]

It could also be a slipping belt. It also might not be dropping as much as the gauge shows, the stock gauges often aren't very accurate after all these years.

 

[89Suburban]

You can rig up a battery load tester to look for power loss through the cables.


Posted while on the porcelain throne

 

[bucket]

You can rig up a battery load tester to look for power loss through the cables.


Posted while on the porcelain throne