1970 Vette with an electrical problem. Testing the alternator with a volt meter it puts out 17.5 amps,,, but not all the time. Back and forth between the "normal" 14.1 and 17.5 Often times there's a distinctive and strong "charging battery" smell.


And many times when I turn the ignition key to "on" or "off", but not always, you hear a distinctive "click" from some relay under the dash. Further, many times upon leaving the car overnight I come back to a totally dead battery the next day. Other times it's "normal" and fully charged.


My suspicion is that these two "glitches" are related to the alternator or some or some component having to do with the alternator.


Any ideas?


Trent trent@gonzowrite.com

 

If you mean 17.5 volts and not amps, then your voltage regulator in the alternator is bad. Most auto parts stores will test it for free in the car.

Not sure what the relay sound is but when you get the alternator problem fixed, connect an ammeter between the positive battery cable and the battery. If there is a current draw w/ everything off, then start pulling fuses until it goes away. That will tell you which circuit to look at further.