Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
01-25-2011, 08:50 PM | #1 |
Ridin' Dirty
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada
Posts: 2,193
|
Is 12.2 volts normal at idle with ALL loads on?
Ok, so I know a fully charged battery is 12.66 volts, so I realize that I'm draining my battery if my alternator charges at any less than that. What I'm wondering is if it's normal for my voltage to drop down to 12.2 with the truck in drive, at idle, with headlights on, (highbeams and fog lights) heater fan on high and wipers on? This is on my 1990 Chevy crewcab, thanks for any comments.
__________________
1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel |
01-25-2011, 09:09 PM | #2 |
Happy to be here
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
|
Re: Is 12.2 volts normal at idle with ALL loads on?
Where are you getting that voltage at? Directly at the alternator or on the battery? You should be close to 14v at the alternator.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
01-25-2011, 09:12 PM | #3 |
Ridin' Dirty
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada
Posts: 2,193
|
Re: Is 12.2 volts normal at idle with ALL loads on?
Voltmeter on the battery terminals. It charges fine while I'm driving, just not at a stop in gear with EVERYTHING on..
__________________
1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel Last edited by Mr Pops; 01-25-2011 at 09:14 PM. |
01-25-2011, 10:15 PM | #4 |
Happy to be here
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
|
Re: Is 12.2 volts normal at idle with ALL loads on?
Sounds like the low side of your alternator might be out or weak. I would check it at the output of the alternator. If you don't have more than 13v you should consider getting the alternator load tested.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
01-25-2011, 10:19 PM | #5 |
Ridin' Dirty
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada
Posts: 2,193
|
Re: Is 12.2 volts normal at idle with ALL loads on?
Hmm.. might be a good time to upgrade to a higher output one anyway, since I want to add some work lights, driving lights and a better stereo. I got a guy who will build me a 100amp alternator for $100.
__________________
1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel |
01-25-2011, 10:28 PM | #6 |
Happy to be here
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
|
Re: Is 12.2 volts normal at idle with ALL loads on?
That's not a bad idea, but I would confirm that your Alt is bad first. I don't want to suggest that's the problem and its another issue. Thats not a bad price for a 100amp.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
01-26-2011, 12:10 AM | #7 | |
Ridin' Dirty
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada
Posts: 2,193
|
Re: Is 12.2 volts normal at idle with ALL loads on?
Quote:
As far as a new one goes, I was told that you can't really go bigger than 100amp without going to a bigger core. I put a 100amp alternator in my Blazer to help keep up with the 12v air compressors, and that seemed to help a bit. I'm actually thinking of having on board air on my crewcab too so I can have a mobile air tank for fixing tires while out in the boonies, I also have an air horn thats waiting to be installed..
__________________
1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel |
|
01-26-2011, 11:27 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Homer, AK
Posts: 57
|
Re: Is 12.2 volts normal at idle with ALL loads on?
The short answer is NO.
12.2 volts is too low. Should be in the range between 13.5 and 14.6 volts. The stock alternator in that vehicle IS rated 100 amps, and is easily capable of 70 amps output at IDLE speed. The most likely failure for the CS130 alternator is an open diode. they will make partial output for awhile, before complete failure. Look in the yellow pages, under auto electric, probably a shop nearby that can load test (free of charge, generally) and will repair or rebuild your alternator. Don't bother uprating that particular alternator, 100 amps is plenty for heater and headlights. Last edited by Fullpower; 01-26-2011 at 11:28 PM. |
01-27-2011, 12:07 AM | #9 | |
Ridin' Dirty
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada
Posts: 2,193
|
Re: Is 12.2 volts normal at idle with ALL loads on?
Quote:
__________________
1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel |
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|