Charging system

[GeorgeGerhard]

Hello All
I have recently purchased a 73 Dart Swinger with a 440
the car is very clean no rust at all, however the wiring is a mess.
My battery went dead, I charged it repaired some loose connections and frayed wires at the alternator.
With the engine running I measured 15 .3 volts at the alternator.
At the battery I measure 13.9
Is this right?
When I remove the negative cable from the battery the engine does not stall, but I can detect the rpm 's drop a bit
Appreciate any suggestions
thank you
George

 

[cudaman51]

that seems a little high but the change in run and not running voltage is good. i would verifie the acuracy of your meter

 

[green1]

You have problems. Don't pull the battery wire off, with the engine running, it will screw up the alt.
Probably the normal bad connections at ammeter, google madelectric for the fix.

 

[GeorgeGerhard]

thank you for the advise

 

[cudajim]

A difference of 1.4v is not good. You might expect .5v or so but not 1.4v. Also, 15.3v is too high coming out of the alternator. Check ground and other connections at the regulator. You may also want to check or fix your connections through the firewall to the ammeter; your voltage drop is probably in that area.

 

[GeorgeGerhard]

many thanks

 

[fishy68]

George check the bulkhead connector. That's a popular place where high resistance occurs and causes voltage drop like you said.