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Voltage Fluctuations
Alternator readout at the gauge holds at just under 14V from startup until about twenty minutes of driving - then might drop to about 13V for awhile…then maybe go back up to 14V for awhile - or maybe drop further to about 12.5V.
After dropping to 12.5V, the alt needle will then typically jerk around a bit - between 12.5 and 13.5V…and after a few minutes of this, the needle will usually come back up to 14V (where it started), and stay there for the rest of the drive.
All of the above…regardless of whatever accessories (lights, blower, radio, etc.) happens to be in use at the time. I do notice a little bit of a voltage reduction when employing brakes or headlights, but this is something I’d consider normal.
Alternator is original to the car (‘87na), and tested “good” at the local O’Reilly’s.
Keep in mind that I’d cleaned all grounds and contacts during my rebuild/rehab process, and all of these are now “protected” with dielectric grease.
Am thinking either just a wonky gauge contact…or maybe I need to replace a voltage regulator?
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