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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1966 Impala Charging System

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Expert: - 4/26/2010


Question
I have a 1966 Impala SS 396.  I have a problem were my charging system is charging and only reading 11 volts coming out the alternator.  The alternator and voltage regulator are brand new and all of the wiring is been redone and I only manage to show 11 volts.  I was wondering if there is something that I have overlooked that I have not check that could be causing the problem? or is there something else? What would you suggest? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
All I can suggest is be sure you have a 12 volt alt and not a 6 volt, and try a different volt meter.  Put a load on the system, rev up the engine and read it again.  Beyond that, run it and see if it keeps your batt charged.  If it is really only putting out 11 v, then the current should be running away from the batt and toward the alt.  
Good luck
jack

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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jack bahm

Expertise

Only repair type questions on the 1928-1931 Ford Model A.

Experience

Owned one when I was 15 yrs old, and now have owned 5. Still own and play with 2 of them.

Organizations
Oakleaf region of MARC. Model A Restorers Club. I have put several Model A videos on the Oakleaf site that may be of help. Things like how to start the A, how to Time it, how to troubleshoot it.. Go to oakleafregion.org and you will find them. jack

Publications
"More than you need to know about cars." Just a small book for Car Nuts. Blurb.com "Model A Ford Tips and Hints" Blurb.com 2010 Many Model A movies that can be found on youtube.com/jackbahm

Education/Credentials
BSME LSU, 1958, Masters of automotive engineering from the Chrysler Institute of engineering, 1960, MBA Mich State, 1976. Worked as an engineer at Chrysler from 1958 to the end of 1991.

Awards and Honors
Two patents while working in auto industry.

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