Please Help! Batt/Alt issue

[MadMax]

I went through all the grounds when i put the car together. Last night i had my battery tested. Sure enough, it had a dead cell. I bought a new battery, and started the car. I let the car run for a sec, then i took the hot cable off of the battery. The car dies. I say screw it and go buy a new alternator. With the new alternator i did the same thing and the car stayed running. I took the hot cable off of the car a total of 3 times with the new battery and alternator. The first time, the car kept running. Second time, car shut off. Third time, car kept running. I'm going to do some more tests when i get off work but the car is doing fine right now. Oh, and i don't have my volt gauge hooked up.

 

[pontiacgp]

why not use a multimeter to test the alternator

 

[MadMax]

How do i do that exactly?

 

[pontiacgp]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq24oPUVmdA

 

[chevyman454]

id also make sure the mounting spots are clean on both the alternator and the block

 

[rustyroger]

To check alternator output with a multimeter select a dc range at 20v or more, put the red lead to the battery + terminal, the black lead to the - terminal and see what you get.
If the alternator is good it should read 13.5-15 volts with the engine running, it should maintain this reading with lights, fan and other electrical services on.

It's not a good idea to run the engine with the battery disconnected, it's designed to run with the battery, its purpose is to keep the battery charged. Do it too often and you are asking for alternator trouble.

Roger.

 

[pontiacgp]

It's not a good idea to run the engine with the battery disconnected, it's designed to run with the battery, its purpose is to keep the battery charged. Do it too often and you are asking for alternator trouble.

Roger.

and that could be why the alternator fried, it was being over worked due to the battery with a dead cell..

 

[MadMax]

It's not a good idea to run the engine with the battery disconnected, it's designed to run with the battery, its purpose is to keep the battery charged. Do it too often and you are asking for alternator trouble.

Roger.

and that could be why the alternator fried, it was being over worked due to the battery with a dead cell..

That's what i was thinking. I'm just a little paranoid now.

 

[MadMax]

14 volts at idle with nothing on except for the clock and the radio is on standby. 12 volts with brights, wipers, all that stuff on. Sound about right?

 

[pontiacgp]

14 at idle seems a bit high, is the car on fast idle?