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Author Topic: Over amping issue  (Read 2065 times)

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Offline Shane198three

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Over amping issue
« on: March 16, 2013, 06:09:27 PM »
Hey guys,


This question is about my 1974 Mustang 2 Mach 1, but it is nearly the same car, at least in my humble opinion. ;-)


So I start the car up, without any electronics running, and I run at 13-14 volts. But as soon as I step on the brakes or turn on the lights, and I am sure use the wipers or turn on the heater, the voltage jumps up to 16+ volts.


POSSIBLE ISSUES:


Voltage regulator...


Alternator...


A short in the wiring...


Please give me some ideas and replacement plans...


Thanks,
Shane

Offline wbacon8780

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Re: Over amping issue
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2013, 06:21:09 PM »
That is a little high usually it's about 15.5 volts. I would be thinking Voltage regulator. I would check it with DVOM first.

Offline Shane198three

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Re: Over amping issue
« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2013, 06:22:56 PM »
I checked it out with a dwelltack a week or so ago. Just now getting to the forums to ask.

Offline wbacon8780

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Re: Over amping issue
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2013, 06:41:31 PM »
Voltage Regulators are not expensive. Just picked one up myself at Advance auto parts...20 bucks.

Offline Shane198three

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Re: Over amping issue
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2013, 11:08:02 PM »
Oh, I know it, I have replaced a few, but none from an over amping issue, that is why I am asking if anyone knows if this might be the cause. I have never come across this issue before.

Offline ToniJ1960

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Re: Over amping issue
« Reply #5 on: March 18, 2013, 12:03:04 PM »
 Well it is the job of the voltage regulator to regulate the voltage. I have heard of cars overcharging before but Im not sure what the causes are that can do it.

 But, if youre looking at a 1 volt difference or less I wouldnt count on a dwell instrument that has a voltage scale. At least use a decent vom if not a digital meter to check it. One volt out of fifteen volts is only about six percent. If its over 15 I would wonder though, over 16 I would be surprised if you arent losing instrument bulbs or other bulbs.

Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: Over amping issue
« Reply #6 on: March 18, 2013, 08:40:32 PM »
An unregulated alternator can push 17 volts. Try a regulator & it should fix it.
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