I checked out the system this weekend, I have about 12.5volts when car is at rest. I removed the regulator and inspected the contacts, they were very clean for an original piece. I found the first connector from the alternator had some green corrosion at the 2 white charge back wires, so I cut them out and bypassed the connector with 2 10 gauge wires just to get around the connector. I started it up, the voltage was good, off idle was at 13.6 volts, then with everything on again, it would go no lower then 12.6 volts at idle, and around 13.0 volts off idle, so this was much improved, but I still think there is something else. The battery was low on water, so I topped that off, That may be the next thing I replace.

By thebige73@yahoo.com (Ejl2002) (66.84.137.106) on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 05:49 am:

I will check over the weekend, I just bought the car 4 weeks ago, so this is one of many items to iron out. Thank you for the input.

Eric

By Chaffneue (Chaffneue) (66.183.190.188) on Thursday, June 09, 2005 - 09:40 pm:

how's your battery? have you changed it recently? If you do a voltage test at rest, what's the surface voltage? a dip in power like that means regulaion problems or a dead short/flat battery. The stock alternator on my car powers a 400W stereo, headlights, heater/blower , wipers, beams, signals and marker lights and stays steady at about 14.4V. Also check the connectors on your alternator.. one of mine came apart completely, overvoltaging the entire circuit.

-Richard

By Darrell--Arizona-- (68.109.151.121) on Thursday, June 09, 2005 - 03:19 pm:

It sounds like your regulator to me. I'd swap it first. You can take it apart and clean the contacts. See if that helps.

By thebige73@yahoo.com (Ejl2002) (66.84.137.106) on Thursday, June 09, 2005 - 01:59 pm:

I have a problem of when the lights are on, the radio (no amp), and brakes on at idle, the voltage goes down to about 11 volts. with the fan on, it goes even lower. Daytime driving has been fine, it sits about 13.5 volts at idle with the brakes on. Will the 45amp correct this to the best of your knowledge, and will the regulator have to be changed for the higher amperage?

Thanks,
Eric

By Jonathan (68.193.6.173) on Thursday, June 09, 2005 - 01:49 pm:

A quick and simple upgrade is to get an alternator for an A/C car. It's a 45 A as compared to a 35A for the non-A/C cars.

By thebige73@yahoo.com (Ejl2002) (66.84.137.106) on Thursday, June 09, 2005 - 08:41 am:

I am interested in an alternator upgrade for my 75 civic cvcc with no a/c. I did the search in here, and nothing related to just a plan old swap. I see some info on using a GM alternator, 1 wire or 3 wire.

What I would like to know is what has been successful, and then some simple instruction on wiring and pulley, and maybe a part number for an alternator also.
I am guessing that the new alternator will be internally regulated, but I still have the electric fuel pump, and battery charge light to deal with that are run off the current regulator, so correct connections will be needed there, but what will be the connection?
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Any help would be great,

Thanks

thebige73@yahoo.com