The DeLorean voltmeter normally reads approximately 1 volt lower than the alternator output. To determine the actual alternator voltage output use an external voltmeter and take the reading between the engine block and the jump start post. Perform two separate tests, one with all accessories off and another with all accessories on. Next check the voltage reading at the electrical compartment at the positive side of fuse #5, again with all accessories off and on. If there is a voltage difference greater than 1 volt you may have a bad ground connection. We regularly find corrosion at both the rear and front frame ground connections. Keep in mind that the DeLorean electrical system differs from the normal automotive electrical system in that three is no universal body/chassis ground. The entire electrical system is dependent on three frame connecting points. This is also a good time to clean or replace all of the fuses in the fuse block. We regularly find corrosion at both the rear and front frame ground connections and fuses. If there is any excessive voltage drop in any of the above tests after the frame grounds and fuses have been checked you may have an alternator problem. Here is the voltage range you should look for: all accessories off 12.5-14.5 volts. All accessories on 11.5-13.0. These tests should be conducted with the engine idle speed at the specified 775 RPM. If you have DeLorean World #16 Fall 1987 go to page 32 for pictures and a detailed description on ground fault diagnosis and repair. If by chance, god forbid, you have the original Ducellier; forget all of the above voltage tests! "We're here to help you" See you in Cleveland! DMC Joe / De Lorean Services / <dmcjoe@xxxx> Web Site: <www.deloreanservices.com> . ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Rooney <dmcvegas@xxxx> To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Friday, May 26, 2000 12:01 AM Subject: [DML] Re: More Power... > I have the same problem as well, especialy at night when I have the > A/C on plus my head lights at an idle. I then drop to about 11.5V, > and everything goes dim. When I hit the gas power increases, but > only goes up to 13V. With the engine idling with no accesories on, > the voltometer reads about 14V. I have the 90 amp Motorloa > alternator, and the workshop manual says that normal operating range > is between 13.5-15 volts, but it doesn't state wheather this readings > are taken durring accessory operation or not. Either way, is this > drop normal? The Duceller 80 amp alternators were not able to keep up > with everything, but was the Motorola only put in to get the car by, > or was it intended to fully "feed" the entire system? > > -Robert > vin 6585 > > --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx, Carson Clark <cnsandog@xxxx> wrote: > > > > Hi guys, > > > > Have any of you noticed a large draw on your Voltometer when you > turn on the AC? I have really noticed when I turn on the AC that > some times at Idle the meter reads under 13 VOlts. Is that pretty > common? Have any of you purchased a better alternator, or another > fix? > > > > Thanks, > > > > C > > > > VIN 16367