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alternator discharging under load

  • Thread starter Thread starter 3024V
  • Start date Start date Mar 25, 2011
3

3024V

New Member
May 13, 2000
44
0
0
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.
Mar 25, 2011
#1
  • Mar 25, 2011
  • #1
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A LOW MILEAGE 1987 GT. WHEN I TURN THE FAN SPEED TO THE HIGHEST SETTING THE AMPERAGE DROPS ON THE ALTERNATOR AND THE ENGINE RPM ALSO DROPS. IT USUALLY REBOUNDS BUT NOT TO WHERE IT IS NORMALLY WITH THE FAN OFF. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE CONTROL IS SET FOR HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH THE ALTERNATOR (ADJUSTING IT) AND THE BATTERY WITH HEAVY DUTY ONES, BUT IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
 
Y

YawnY

New Member
Sep 12, 2008
42
0
0
Mar 25, 2011
#2
  • Mar 25, 2011
  • #2
Voltage regulator is probably sticking.
 

4rdnut

Member
Dec 14, 2010
188
1
16
Mar 25, 2011
#3
  • Mar 25, 2011
  • #3
The wires that plug into the alternator could be the problem, check to see if the rubber plug gets real hot, there was a recall on the alternator plug where resistance would build up in the plug and catch fire.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,367
18,114
224
Massachusetts
Mar 25, 2011
#4
  • Mar 25, 2011
  • #4
What sort of state is the rest of the electrical system? Might not hurt to freshen up all the connections by replacing the terminals, cleaning the connectrions on the solenoid and just overall restoring the electrical system, especially if the charging system is testing out fine.

1987 is a unique year in that the 5-spds got a 65A alt and the AOD's and 1988+ Mustangs got a 75A alt. So a little voltage drop at idle causing the idle to drop is somewhat normal. But if it's doing it badly, you are losing a lot of voltage somewhere else
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Mar 25, 2011
#5
  • Mar 25, 2011
  • #5
You might also want to have the alt tested for a dropped diode. Alts right out of the box have failed a load test.
 
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