alternator problem?

[AdamVR4]

I couldn't start the vr4 recently without charging the 2 year old battery, so I took it for a spin and took note of the voltage reported by the scanmaster (~13.5v). I replaced the battery and cleaned the terminal connections (they looked good, now they look perfect). With the new battery, once on the road, I saw 13.8v... by the end of a short drive it was at 13.6v. A similar gauge on my frs reports 14.4v... did my original alternator finally wear out? Think this could be related to the little bit of break-up/blow out I recently started noticing at high boost/rpm? Stock ignition system. I'm hoping I can replace the alternator to avoid breaking the seal on my intake system :p

[sublime_whatigo]

I have not used a scanmaster on my car but I would guess the voltage should be within a tenth as compared to a palm logger. The voltage at the ecu is quite a bit lower than at the battery, I started running into blowout when the voltage dipped to 12.7-12.8. Now with a brand new oem alternator, upgraded grounds and good connections everywhere I still see as low as 13 volts. I think your safe for now.

[speedy25]

Your voltages sound good. Get your battery load tested to confirm its still OK. Just because its "only" 2 years old doesnt mean it cant be bad.

-SP

[stealthee]

Agree with Pete. A battery that sits and is hooked up can get drained even if it is a slow drain. Same thing happened with the Stealth. Now I unhook the battery every time I am done messing with it. A tender would be a better idea, but I haven't gotten that far yet.

[UTRacerX9]

I'd try measuring directly off the battery with the car running vs off. I don't remember what voltage my alternator would show on the Stealth, but it varies from car to car. My Jeep is 13.8, my Cayenne 14.2.

[kywhitelightning]

I am on alternator #4 and they all seem to start cold charging near 14 and once warmed up can get as low as 13.2 cruising depending on how hot it is outside. During power pulls I have seen as low as 12.8V. I wouldn't sweat it unless you just want to go baller and get a Mechman.

Jeff

[AdamVR4]

Thanks for the input fellas. Where's the best place to get an oem or mechman alternator when the time comes?

[sublime_whatigo]

Cherry Hill has oem re-mans for 220-250.

[familyMAN]

I am on alternator #4 and they all seem to start cold charging near 14 and once warmed up can get as low as 13.2 cruising depending on how hot it is outside. During power pulls I have seen as low as 12.8V. I wouldn't sweat it unless you just want to go baller and get a Mechman.

Jeff

My 20 yr old OEM and reman'd is exactly like this. Going with all new grounds to see if the WOT voltage changes.