Troubleshooting Alternator!!!, don't know the next step!! Options

[porsha916]

the car is a 1973, the engine we just installed is a 75 1.8 with carb, the red alt warning light is on when engine is reved up, at idle light is out or on, but very dim.When engine is reved up, voltage gauge goes up to 16, if I turn everything on the voltage drops to about 14, but the alt (red) light remains on. I have changed the voltage regulator with about four other used ones, no change. Is the wiring on the circuit board or alt different for different years. I need help!!!!!
Thanks
Bill

[Dave_Darling]

I would check the wiring going to the alternator, and check the relay board. Usually, when alternators die they won't put out enough voltage. When VRs go, they can let the alternator put out too much voltage--so your symptom is much more likely to indicate a bad VR than a bad alternator.

Having some specific wiring problems may also be able to cause this symptom. So I'd check the wiring next. And then buy a brand-new VR and see if that helps.

If not, I guess it would be alternator replacement time. Or at least time to have it tested at a shop.

Remember to wash down the battery tray and suspension console area with a baking soda and water solution; you're probably causing the battery to puke acid every time the voltage goes up to 16V.

--DD