Alt going to full charge

[purple1]

I took the car out to the local cruse last night. I noticed at times the alt gage going to full charge. It was also making the lights very bright. What will make an alt go to full charge?

I'm sure given enough time I can figure it out, but I thought I would ask here first. Car was running fine when this was happening as well.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The voltage regulator could have gone nuts. I had one that did that shortly before it died.

[dodj]

I believe the VR regulates the voltage by varying the resistance to ground of the field wire. 0 ohms to ground being full field. I would think your VR is going south.

[purple1]

Thanks guys. I will try another voltage regulator. I keep one in the console. Think the mice problem I had could have had anything to do with this?

[Chryco Psycho]

the green ground wire from the alt to the reg would have to short to go to full charge , my Bet is the reg also , often the rubber seal in the back opens up & water gets in & shorts it , The one in my 89 Cummins truck failed every year this way

[purple1]

the green ground wire from the alt to the reg would have to short to go to full charge , my Bet is the reg also , often the rubber seal in the back opens up & water gets in & shorts it , The one in my 89 Cummins truck failed every year this way

Thats what I was looking for. I will check it out tonight. If those little rodents chewed on the wires it could be whats going on. I'll replace the reg anyway, it is one of those cheap chome jobs. I'll let you know what I find.

Thanks CP

[Chryco Psycho]

 
not many places the green wire could short , except along the rigth valve cover , ususally well wrapped in tape

[purple1]

I think you guys were right. I did not find any chew spots along the wires, the engine harness has been repaired before I ever got the car, but nothing looked bad. I swapped out the reg last night and started it up. So far so good. I will know for sure after I go for a cruse this weekend. Thanks again.

[purple1]

I think this problem is solved. I took out the car yesterday for over an hour drive and had no more problems.

Thanks guys, I knew this was the right place to ask first.