Need Automotive Help....

[Brandi]

I know we have a few expert mechanics on here and I need some of that knowledge please....

1976 Corvette with stock 350. The car ran just fine until one day it wouldn't start and once jump started it wouldn't charge the electrical system and turning on accessories like headlights caused power to decrease and die. Alternator was replaced and everything worked fine for a year but the same thing happened again. Alternator was replaced despite it being tested as good at Auto Zone. It ran great for a month and then same thing again.

Is this a case of multiple crappy alternators from Auto Zone or is there another possible reason this is happening?

Thanks

 

[aviator41]

Sounds like corroded grounds or a bad regulator. My guess is bad ground, considering the body is not metal.

 

[Biggsly]

It is also very possible that they are crappy Autozone alternators.

 

[SoonerP226]

Have you had the battery tested? If you don't get enough voltage out of the battery, the field in the alternator will weaken and eventually collapse. IIRC, you have (or had) a Lincoln LS--I can tell you that electronic monster will act like it's possessed if the battery voltage gets below ~12.7V.

 

[SoonerP226]

It is also very possible that they are crappy Autozone alternators.

That is a distinct possibility...such stories I have about Autozone parts...

 

[nofearfactor]

then just buy a better alternator, if it craps out in a year or whenever, then it was something else besides the crappy alternator theory.

 

[WTJ]

Have you had the battery tested? If you don't get enough voltage out of the battery, the field in the alternator will weaken and eventually collapse. IIRC, you have (or had) a Lincoln LS--I can tell you that electronic monster will act like it's possessed if the battery voltage gets below ~12.7V.

Yes. Possibly a battery or regulator.

 

[SoonerP226]

Yes. Possibly a battery or regulator.

I'm used to dealing with alternators that have a built-in voltage regulator, so I figured it'd have gone with the replaced alternators, but if it's separate, that's definitely a possibility.

 

[dennishoddy]

Most earlier Corvette's did indeed have a separate voltage regulator. They run about $55 bucks if I remember right.

 

[FullAuto]

Fallopian tubes are clogged.