NST Pulley Set Alternator Issue

[shinlee]

with the car on, normal output should be 13.7 to 14.5

with the car off, the battery should be about 12.5

I used to manage an Autozone, and I've done god knows how many alternator checks. If you're getting 14.1 then you should be fine. It sounds to me like there may be an issue in the wires, something not connected properly or something of that sort. A loose (incredibly loose) belt will cause it to not charge properly, but just pull on the belt while it's off, and if there's a lot of play, either tighten it up or replace it.

[MGargano]

Originally Posted by shinlee

with the car on, normal output should be 13.7 to 14.5

with the car off, the battery should be about 12.5

The battery holds at ~12.5v when off, but the "normal output" for me is lower than 13.7- usually closer to 13.2-13.4. I'm not sure if those 1/10's of a volt are a cause for concern, really.

Originally Posted by shinlee

If you're getting 14.1 then you should be fine

It doesn't hold steady at 14.1 for any extended length of time- low 13's are "normal" for me

Originally Posted by shinlee

A loose (incredibly loose) belt will cause it to not charge properly, but just pull on the belt while it's off, and if there's a lot of play, either tighten it up or replace it.

I inspected the belt when I compared the pulley sizes- it was nice and tight, no play or slack at all.