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American Motors/Battery Drain 1977 CJ-5

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Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 4/20/2007


Question
Kevin I have a 1977 CJ-5 with 232cid motor i have converted over to an hei distributor. my problem is my alternator does not seem to be charging my battery when the jeep is running. i have replaced the alternator and this did not fix the problem and i replaced the external voltage regulator about 6 months ago. I have charged the battery and cleaned the terminals. but if i drive at night my headlights start to dim and within 20 min they go out and the battery is dead. I was wondering what type of test to run on this to check for the bad component. i am assuming it is the alternator, voltage regulator, or the solenoid. I also replaced the starter about 4 months ago. thanks
Adam

Answer
Take a Voltage reading at the battery with the engine running. It should be around 14 Volts. Then measure the Voltage at the alternator, also around 14 Volts. If it is OK at the alternator but low at the battery, perform a Voltage drop test of your wiring. You could also replace the exsisting alternator with an AC Delco unit as found on later models. This has an internal regulator.  

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Kevin Pilotte

Expertise

I can answer many technical questions relating to AMC vehicles prior to 1979. I also have experience with Rambler & Nash vehicles.

Experience

I am a former AMC technician, service writer and service manager. I have worked in AMC dealers in Illinois in the 70's. After college, I was a Field Service Rep for American Motors Sales Corporation, working out of the Chicago Zone office. I traveled to AMC dealers assisting in the diagnosis and repair of AMC vehicles. I was also the Area Training Manager for DeLorean Motor Company. I have 10+ years as an Automotive Instructor. I have modified and restored
numerous AMC vehicles. I have been working on AMC vehicles for over 30 years.

Organizations
I have been an ASE Certified Master Technician since 1975. This includes L1. I am also currently a Toyota Certified Master Diagnostic Technician.

Publications
I have articles in "American Motoring", the official publication of the American Motors Owners Association. They are the largest AMC club in the world.

Education/Credentials
I have a certificate I printed out from a website.

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