Alternator problem

[kstar]

Hi - I'm having a little issue with my '76 Stag. At the start of journeys I'm getting alternator screech and about 16.5 volts to the battery.
This appears to stop after a couple of miles but can come back at any time.

I'm aware that too many volts will cook my battery. I'm wondering if something that could have done on the wiring could be causing the issue or a fault alternator.

Any help/advice would be welcome

cheers
Kevin

[alan_thomas]

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Kevin, I think you have a perfectly normal functioningaltenator being driven with a belt thats a bit slack. Adjust your belt tension a bit tighterand the screech will stop. The 16.5v charge is normal if your battery is a bit on the low side.

- Alan

[GDPR]

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I would take issue on that - and that would also depend on whether you are relying on the rather vague standard fit voltmeter or a decent digital external meter on the battery.....

Anything in excess of 14.4 volts to a battery is too much - the plates will overheat and warp and the electrolyte will boil off, often leaving a nice corrosive mist in your engine bay or leakage over your chassis rail.

Yes the screech from the belt could be just it being loose or worn, but it is the 16.5v that troubles me more - make sure you check it with an accurate meter at the batteryand if it is truly 16.5v after making sure the cables and earth leads are good nick and tight and your battery tested, then get the alternator changed.

Russ:dude:

[V8 Rumbler]

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I am in total agreement with Kryten

I had exactly the same symptoms on mine earlier in the year.

DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR

You will do more damage-ie the battery, wiring, fuses,relays etc

the alternator needs to be replaced- a simple job about 30 mins.

The easiest way is to move the power steering pump to on side and there will be enough room to get the old one out and fit the new one

Darren

[V Mad]

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Get a good voltmeter. Measure the volts at the alternator, then at the battery terminals. If you get much more than 14.4 volts, dont use it. I suspect you will find the battery volts are lower than alternator, indicating a wiring fault or error.