Was about to change out the spark plugs this morning when I noticed my alternator was warm. On the verge of hot. Car hasn't been run in 2 days. Then I noticed a faint buzzing sound. I disconnected the lead and the buzz stopped. I've noticed over the past couple of weeks that the battery has been low on charge after driving for 30 or 40 minutes. I most always put the car on a trickle charger just to ensure the battery is always up. However, I didn't put the charger on this time. Now my elecrtical knowledge starts and stops at the switch but this I know isn't right. The altenator is a CS130. Engine is a 1962 327 cu.in. I installed Vintage Air so thats the reason for the 100 amp alternator. Other than that there is nothing special installed. The battery was moved to the trunk and there is no special cut off switch installed. Any ideas?
From my days as a tech editor. "Replace with known good unit and retest." Either that or drag it down to the auto parts store and have them toss it on a tester. You know it's either internal short or the wiring. I'd go with internal and get another unit. If it ends up with it being wiring, you have a spare and still have to diagnose and repair. That's not a bad place to be.
MY first guess is the alternator has a short in it while idle/ not running and is causing a draw and what ever is causing the draw is making noise inside it. charge the battery and leave all the alternator wires disconnected including the one that charges the battery if your battery does not go dead in a few days like its been then your issue is in the alternator . what does it charge when its running as far as both amps and voltage . ?? a amp clamp over the cable and a volt meter across the battery. is it even charging correctly .
I agree with replacing the alternator... I just now remembered that I noticed the volage showed about 11 the last time I was driving. Thought it might be because I was in creep-a-long traffic.
Do you get a spark between the alternator and battery wire when you disconnect it? Second clue, do you loose your buzz? More clues your alternator needs exchanged
It sounds like the stator or the rectifier has gone bad. Quickest fix these days would be to replace the alternator. We have a good auto electric shop in the area so I would likely take it apart and fix it, but we don't all have that option.
Yep... I'm just gonna replace it. I can take it somewhere and have them check it. if repairable i'll have a spare. Thanks for all the great help. No plaace like the H.A.M.B....
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