whats normal alt voltage on a 74?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: So. St Paul, Mn
whats normal alt voltage on a 74?
I noticed when i was driving my truck the other night that the aftermarket volt gauge only got to a little over 13v. i know on newer cars that they are usually over 14v. is that normal for it to read that low? I'm used to working on newer cars, not these old trucks
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 86
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From: So. St Paul, Mn
There has to be a way to do it in the truck. Can i put a volt meter to the post on the alt and check voltage? does the alt always send 14v to the regulator? cause if the alt is puting out 14v then i would suspect the regulator is faulty.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
Back in the 70's 13.5 volts was exceptable. Alts and battery's have changed a lot since then. What amp is your alt? What is the color of the plastic insulator under the Batt lug on the alt. White or clear was 55 amp I think and red was higher. So the question is how many watt is your sound system and other electrical combined? Does it exceed the output of the alt? The stock system would tax the 55 amp back in the day so we would use a BIG battery till the alt quit than buy a bigger alt. Yes the regulator is adjustable but not recommended as you can blow up the battery and or fry the alt sooner. My .02
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With a 1G alternator I would consider something around 13.5 to be adequate, especially with headlights and heater running.
The 1G is a turd for output. Something over 14 is nice, but expect 13.2-13.8 volts under most circumstances.
Most auto parts stores testing machines will pass/fail an Alternator if it shows at LEAST 13.2 volts.
So the bubble gum chewing brat behind the counter won't think otherwise.
Josh
The 1G is a turd for output. Something over 14 is nice, but expect 13.2-13.8 volts under most circumstances.
Most auto parts stores testing machines will pass/fail an Alternator if it shows at LEAST 13.2 volts.
So the bubble gum chewing brat behind the counter won't think otherwise.
Josh
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i have a 77 and if your needle on is on the 12 and the truck is off its good and when running you want it to be on 14 and if its not on 14 when running your alternater is going out
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