Looks like the battery in my 70 Chevelle had a bad cell (tell tale bulge-not enuff juice to start).

Now assuming the car will start now with a new battery....

What should voltage from battery +Hot to chassis ground (using a multi-meter) be

BEFORE starting?

AFTER starting?

What is the voltage measurement indications of

Alternator bad (remanufactured replacement last year)?

Voltage Regulator bad (no idea of replacement status)?


This car is sitting in the metal pole barn during cold snap in Ohio. I may have toasted the battery by recharging it (frozen?) the other day. That's when I noticed the bulge in the case.

Thanks

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Springfield, Ohio

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>name: D.G. & my 70 Malibu
<LI>http://www.wright.edu/~adams.41/chevy.htm
<LI>TEAM Chevelle Member #0086
<LI>eBay username: dg98adams
<LI>"Failure is not an option. It's bundled with your software"
[/list]

Hey DG, John Muha would be ticked to see this kinda post not in the electrical forum http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif


Before starting... well it depends... Typically 12.6-13.2, but AT least 12 volts.

During cranking, should not fall below 10 under any so-so conditions...

Stock alternator/external voltage regulator...

At approx. 1000 rpm's, you should have AT LEAST 13.8 volts, and no more than 14.8 volts. 14.2 volts is the IDEAL charging voltage regardless of load or RPM, but it will of course fluxuate as it isn't a "perfect world". Bottom line, 13.8 minimum, "15 and over too darn high!"

I always suggest swapping the voltage regulator before the alternator. If turning on the headlights reveals a "pulsing" action in the light intensity, give your voltage regulator a proper burial.


ALWAYS CHECK CONNECTIONS AND CLEAN GROUNDS before you spend $$$. Always insist on genuine AC/Delco parts, and never throw original stuff away until you know it is defective.

Oh yeah, the so called "alternator testing" at most parts places is well...worthless...

Have fun DG.

(Yup, John, just checking in...)

Thanks.

You'd think as long as I have been a member of this board I'da placed it in the Electrical section. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

But I posted it during dinner last night after a long day at work.

Thanks for the info.

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Springfield, Ohio

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>name: D.G. & my 70 Malibu
<LI>http://www.wright.edu/~adams.41/chevy.htm
<LI>TEAM Chevelle Member #0086
<LI>eBay username: dg98adams
<LI>"Failure is not an option. It's bundled with your software"
[/list]

Me ticked, Nay. Rarely happens. DG is still glassy eyed over that trip last year checking out rust free cars in the southwest.
I'll only add that sometimes you can spot a weak cell battery by charging it up and letting it sit. Ran across some that fell back down to around 10 volts sitting for a day.
Also, I don't mess with the Delco regulators anymore. I have 2 brand new originals in the garage I just don't use. Repops run over $60.00 and unless you show the car, I think this is too much money for a lot of guys out there. Paid $11.00 for a Wells solid state with a lifetime guarantee.

What is wrong with my battery? It tests at 12.6 volts but will not accept a charge at all. It's a $120 repro original Delco type that's only 2 1/2 yr old. Could a short in the alt or starter cause the battery to go bad? It aterted the engine fine a few times then went belly up.

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von '69 300 Dlx SS TC #15 ACES #1575
My '69 SS (http://sites.netscape.net/von69ss/homepage)