Quote:
Originally Posted by Dean
I agree, those voltages sound low. You could have a shorted cell and/or a bad regulator. A 1/2 decent battery with a full charge should be able to hold over 12.5 volts with a >50 watt headlight across it for at least a minute. A good one for probably 30-60 minutes.
Even float charging on a good battery happens at about 12.5-13 volts and 14-15+ under heavy charging after starting or other heavy discharge.
The fact that the system will go above 13 volts means it is likely not the alternator IMHO.
|
The fact that I'm on my fourth optima battery in like three years tells me something is wrong with the charging system. I think the alternator works, just not well. I figured there was something draining the battery while it was off, but I checked that and I'm barely drawing any current for the clock and remote start receiver.
So it comes back to the alternator, which never gave me a problem until my radiator sprung a leak and I was forced to drive for an hour spraying coolant onto it. That made the regulator go out and I replaced it with the Napa part. Ever since then I've been eating red tops. I belief you've got several or them at your house right now. Are they bad?