Alternator UPGRADE?

[Va914]

Is there a alternator upgrade for the 914? I have a '74 and have replaced the Voltage reg, installed a NEW battery and checked all grounds and the battery is only seeing 12.3V. NOT good.

If I have to buy a new/used alternator why not by a better one then stock. Is the 911 a match or better?

Thanks

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

A few questions:

First, is your reading across the battery posts themselves? With a good voltmeter? (The one in the center console is just there for amusement, not to tell you how your charging system is.)

Have you tried cleaning the (+) battery terminal and clamp?

Have you dug through Jim Thorusen's alternator troubleshooting article?


With most charging system problems, the alternator is not a very likely suspect. If you install a higher-current alternator, you will just be patching the problem, not solving it. Plus the extra power has to come from the motor. (Parasitic loss.) So make sure the alternator really is the problem.

Rumors say that the 912E alternator is beefier than the stock 914 one. And your local "boom-boom" car stereo shop can re-wind your alternator to output higher current.

--DD

[Roland Kunz]

Hello

The 911 will not fit.

The 914 alternator is a very good unit and will last very long if the cooling duct is working.

But if some one finds a better one ? Why not ? Modern units will load more at ideling and have a bit less drag on the engine. Not to forget some grams wight reduction.

The only item to upgrade is the regulator. newer versions are electronic and will not "hang". If you like the old look then check for a Volvo 265 unit. Same housing but electronic.

For optimal results use a regulator with temperature control for the batterie.

Grüsse

[Va914]

I believe I have checked every connection twice. The voltage reading is from a digital multi, across the terminals.

I tried to use the tech artical but was alittle lost at the end. I tried some of the jumper settings in the artical and sparks flew and the bulb burned out. replaced the bulb with the 2.2V and said enough of that.

I hope it is something else but it seems all signs point to the alt.

The indicator light is very dim upon start-up. Rev the engine and the light gets brighter. The voltage is in the low 12V's at idle and climes to 12.8V'ish at high revs (one I saw 13.1V


The battery was new before the voltage reg was replaced. the battery has sice been draind/dead, could I have killed the battery?

One note before I replaced the Voltage reg the bulb was lit and then got dimmer as the rpms went up (never out). replaced the VR and now I have the above conditions (dim -bright)
If someone has an Idea give them to me..

Thanks for your help guys!!!!!

[Va914]

Any thoughts!

[scg]

Maybe one of the diodes "died"?