Re: [DML] Charging system curiosity

[dherv10@xxxx]

Toby, I'll insert my comments to your post.

To begin with, I have a Delco 
108 amp alternator installed (for the past 8 years or so). 
At present, my "idiot light" is glowing most of the time, 
( This indicates normally a short to ground, either through the regulator or 
diodes. ) and the voltage in the system is showing 14.5 volts using a digital 
multimeter at the 
battery terminal in the engine bay. 
( This is the correct place to measure the voltage and 14.4 up to 14.7 is a 
typical regulator voltage. You can get higher. It will vary with manufactures 
and application.) 
The static voltage in the car is about 13.2 volts with the engine off. 
( With the car off the OCV voltage should be 12.66 , Do this test. Turn on 
the head lights for about one minuet and then wait for about 5 minuets and 
test the OCV again and see if the battery is about 12.66 volts.)( OCV is Open 
circuit voltage)
If I idle the engine, and turn on everything, I see a voltage pull down to 
about 13.2 volts. Is this an internal regulator challenge with the 
alternator, or some bizarre 
ground situation? 
(With everything turned on and the alternator /regulator is at 13.2 
volts,This is good. )
What RPM are you idling.
Was the alternator hot or cold when the test was done.
I know that the voltages are high ... hmmmmm. 
(Your voltages aren't high at all.)
There is evidence of outgassing from the battery.
( This is normal at times)
John Hervey
http://www.specialtauto.com/alternators.shtml