Is my Alternator Bad?

[asp84]

I have a 91 OHV Explorer. While the engine is running, my battery meter reads outside the normal on the positive side. (almost to 18 volts!) When I turn my fan on from off to full blast, the voltage drop almost kills my engine. Also, when I turn my steering wheel full right or full left it KILLS my engine. It seems as if a lot of strain on the PWR steering pump causes my Alternator to slow down and stop. Also, putting my car in gear, which causes a drop in RPM's also causes my car to die, due to a sudden loss in voltage.

- Does thing sound like an Alternator prob. I would think that a bad Alternator would cause a low voltage reading and lots of dead batteries instead of high voltage!!

thanks,
Al

 

[mattadams]

it sounds like a couple be a problem with the alternator. Possibly the voltage regulator portion of the alternator, which is easier just rto replace the whole alternator.
Your best bet would be to replace both the alternator and the battery at the same time, if they are both coming up on their life expentancies.

 

[JDraper]

Take your X to a Battery Warehouse or an Advance Autoparts store. They'll check out your charging system for free.

 

[leenjen]

if i dont play the stereo after about 15 minutes of driving, my alternator gauage slowly climbs up to the 18 volt mark. i usually dont let it get out of the normal range. but mine doesn't have the sudden drops that yours has. if i'm idling in neutral with the stereo blasting, the guage will slowly drop below the half way point (but it climbs again if i hit the gas)

 

[KEbert]

Is this the stock alternator? I think that my 91 alternator is on is death bed to. Also, don't ever turn your steering wheel to the stops. It is very bad to your power streering pump.

 

[asp84]

I don't turn it till it stops, but sometimes I have to do a near full rotation when in a tight turn. My engine hasn't really died a lot from this problem, most of the time it "almost dies" and I am able to save it by gunning the gas or releasing any pressure form the P/S. I think we need to all go and replace our Alternators...then again, it hasn't died yet ( my cheap side!!)