1984 maxima, 73000 miles. New head gasket, rings, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap.

When I step on the gas pedal the car bucks or hesitates before it accelerates. It seems to idle smoothly. However, once in a while it stalls at idle either when I am standing still or coming to a stop.

The second problem I have is electrical. Normally, the voltmeter gauge showed between 14-16 volts. Then, recently the gauge would suddenly go to 12 volts and the brake light, windshield washer light would come on. Then on its own the situation would reverse-- it would charge normally and the lights would go out. However, now the gauge is always around 12 volts and the lights sometimes come on or go off. Most of the time the "alternator light" next to the voltmeter does not come on.

Is this a short or a bad alternator or what??

Thanks for your help

 

I think both of the problems that you are having are due to a bad alternator. I had similar problems with my Cavalier and that was the culprit. You should have the car's electrical system tested, you should be able to get it done for nothing at most Sears Automotive stores. Good Luck.

 

I guess I'm a little confused. I don't see how the hesitation or bucking problem is related to the electrical problem. Are you perhaps saying the alternator is intermittantly "locking up"?