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View Full Version : Car stalls and runs like crap, alternator maybe?



Rich3077
11-27-2004, 11:19 AM
Okay..


The car is a completly stock carbed 86 Accord.
I havent been able to drive her for about a month now because
right after I get one thing fixed, something else breaks.
I have put way to much money in this car as it is.. new radiator.. hoses..starter..water manifold all in the last month.
If I am going to keep the car I will now need a timing belt, water pump and a few other assorted goodies.

The problems I am having was pointing to the coil, irregular RPMs, stalling
at red lights and during turns and a firing miss at low RPMs. ( I came to this conclusion from reading old posts )
Yesterday while tinkering around with the car my alternator light came on.
I took it to the parts store today for a charging system test.
What they came up with is that I have zero charging voltage.

Here is the complete printout they gave me.
-----------------------
Battery Test
Rating: 700 CCA

12.32v 747 CCA
Good ---- Recharge

Starter Test
Cranking Voltage
Normal 12.13v

Charging Test
Charging System Problem

No Charging Voltage

Load Off 12.10v
Load on --.--v

Diode Ripple Not Detected

-------------------------------

Okay so now I know I have an alternator problem.
Is it common for an alternator to go to zero volts when it goes bad?

Will a bad alternator produce the same symptoms as a bad coil?

I am going to have to have all work needed done in a shop because I have no garage and very little daylight left when I get home from work. I also
only have basic tools and have to work on my car in the street.

I am really torn on what to do here... I may end up junking the car.
I really hate to because the engine and trans are still very strong.
Only about 100k on the car. The problem is I live in Michigan so the car
is pretty well rusted. The remaining repairs will probably cost me $500 or so.

Any advice on my alternator symptoms is appreciated.

Thanks


Peace
Rich