Alternator Hot vs Cold Question?

[MPDano]

I was wondering why my Volt Meter in my "S" shows 13.5 when cold (first thing in the morning), then when I start the car cold but leaving from work when the outside temps are higher, I get a lower reading on Volt Gauge like below 12.

Keep in mind I never checked "actual" voltage at the post. It's just an interior observation from the Drivers Seat.

Does this sound like a grounding issue? Or a symptom of one? Or is it something else?

[BIMMERMIKE]

I have the same sypmtons however everything checks out

[Pete R]

Mine is the same way too.

[neil30076]

Same here, Leo.

[MPDano]

Hmm, consensus seems unanimous. Is all this even after total ground cleaning?

Maybe I should run a temp wire to my External Volt Meter so I can monitor this.

[Maleficio]

I installed a voltage stabilizer, and it works very well, no more crazy voltage fluctuations, but the average voltage will fall some after the engine is good and warm, even though the hotpost always reads 13.5 volts no matter what.

[JhwShark]

The only thing I can think of is that the three Red wires from the Post to the CEP may be corroded a bit. Check the terminations at the CEP and see if the wires are hardened. You could drop some energy along the way if the wires are degraded.

[Pete R]

my grounds are good, my contacts are clean, I have the proper alt shroud, I even have a mint alt intake hose properly routed to the inside fender well. I just seems to work that way. MP, is it causing an issue in the car, or just your head (stuff like that drives me nuts too)

[MPDano]

Honestly, right now it's in my head as I am a Gauge watcher. Been that way since I was a Teenager with a Triumph TR7 that always overheated. Just a habit I can't seem to break. I'm going to run a couple wires to the Hot Post and Ground connected a Multi-meter inside my car so I am not digging around under my hood at work.

I appreciate all the input guys. Maybe now I can relax and enjoy my weekend.