1979 Vette charging problem
 

Still a newbie here. I have received excellent help on this site. My problem this time is everytime I have to start my car I have to jump it. The battery and alternator are new so I am not sure where to start looking. After I jump it the volt meter stays around 8and I have to rev it pretty hard 2 or 3 times before it jumps up to the 12 volt range. Anyone have any ideas.

Thanks

RE: 1979 Vette charging problem
 

Check all battery, alternator, &connections and make sure they're clean & tite. Then if that doesn't fix it, take the car to a auto parts place that tests batteries and alternators for free. I have put on a new bad alternator and also had a battery fail in one month.

RE: 1979 Vette charging problem
 

check spark plugs and distributer, however i'm not a genius but know my share ofstuff

RE: 1979 Vette charging problem
 

Sounds like the new alternator is not responding at the lower engine speed, you need a clean new belt at the proper tension, good electrical connections and a battery that's in shape to accept a charge. temporarily hook a known good battery to the vette and disconnect the the other one, start the engine and let it stay on fast idle, connect a DC volt meter to the donor battery, you should see 13.2-14.8 volts, if it's lower than 13.2 the alternater and/or internal regulator is at fault.

RE: 1979 Vette charging problem
 

Hello again Riley6Riley, You can never assume that just because a battery or alternator is new that is good, do like the other members suggested and you'll find that one or the other is no good. Good luck, PG

RE: 1979 Vette charging problem
 

I am on my way to the auto parts store tomorrow and have them test it. I will let you know. Thanks again.

RE: 1979 Vette charging problem
 

Well I took it to Advanced Auto Parts and they gave me a new battery (the other new one was shot, only a month old) and I am still having the same problem. The voltage regulator and diodes test ok and I am going to try to get the alternator tested tomorrow. It is only putting out about 1-2 amps so something is going batty.

RE: 1979 Vette charging problem
 

HI,I thought the voltage regulator and diodes were inside the alternator?
Tell me again what year is you vette, thanks, PG

RE: 1979 Vette charging problem
 

My Vette is a 1979 L-48. When they hooked it up to the "test equipment" it said that the diodes and regulator were good. I am going to take it to an alternator place this week and have them test it. You are right, everything is internal on this alternator (stock).

RE: 1979 Vette charging problem
 

When we looked up the alternator to make sure that it was the right one (which it was) this was on the write up:
INSTALLATION ALERT! A blown fuse or bulb in the warning lamp circuit may cause a "no charge" condition.

Is this just a fuse in the fuse panel they are talking about? Do you what this means?