well this evening I cranked on my car and warmed it up pretty good.. I took off no problem. It is when I stop at the light my volt meter reads 10.. as I take from the light it stutters just a bit and then no problem... it happened all the way home from the office until I stopped shut the car of stepped out and returned in about 154-20 minutes. I started up the car and the volt meter read 12 and the RPM read 600...

what I did different was installed 4 out of 5 wires from the ground kit... but I dont think that would cause this...

I have a blue top Optima battery... I think it is not so good...

help me out guys..

tks

Jae

 

The most common problem with the max's charging system is simply the alt. belt being loose. After you check that out, then figure out how old the battery is and replace it if necessary. Then if the battery is okay and the car still does not charge at atleast 13.8v then the alt is going out or already bad.

 

could it be due to an oil seal leak that I have at the crank.. i believe I have some oil splashing up towards to the ALT... could this be a reason y?

jae

 

In my experience the pullies oil seal usually leaks downward. But you need to check the belts tension, I think it requires either 12mm or 14mm box head wrench, first loosen the lock nut, then tighten the long bolt. press against the belt to see that some of the slack is gone. Try not to overtighten it.

 

First verify your reading with a dmm (from battery terminal), could be bad connection to your meter.

Working alternator gives out minimum 13.8V, with 'northern' regulator 14.2V
--->Alternator not working or battery shorted... but as u can still start, possibly alternator.

Dunno about your gnd set, but there should be one thick gnd wire from alternator assy cover to car chassis. Originally there is not, and ten year old cars blow their battery plus regulator because of alternator gnd floats as it is not properly grounded. Could be your problem also.

 

"blue" optima is a marine one (why did u buy it anyway?).
it is a deep cycle one and recharges very quickly.
I doubt that battery is shorted but have it checked anyway.

my money are on the alternator ...