QuestionThank you for the quick reply.
I will try the load test tomorrow. Here's what I have found so far:
1. when tugging on the wires on the battery, the ground strap popped off from the battery. I then proceeded to replace the connector on the end of the wire and re-fastened it to the battery.
2. Since then I checked with a dc volt meter and found it to be at 11.4v, even when running and with high rpm's.
3. a new fairly odd symptom, at an idle the gauge cluster looks normal (with the exception of the volt meter of course) but when I give it gas a few of the indicator lights light up/get brighter with higher rpms. when I let off and it goes back to an idle, the lights are dim or off completely.
on a side note, there is no arching at all when connecting and disconnecting the battery cables.
Can a bad ground take out an alternator?
Thanks again for feedback/suggestions
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
in reference to: http://experts.about.com/q/Nissan-Repair-825/alternator-1990-nissan-300zx.htm , I have had the same issue, 3 alternators now, and on the 2nd battery. The alternator seemed to fail after high rpms. does this point to the fuel pump relay or possibly the pump? I appreciate any suggested course of action.
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Alan,
Three alternators and two batteries leads me to think there is a load on your system that needs to be corrected. I would go with a Pep Boys or better alternator and a Interstate battery and then go to find what is causing the drain. Anything over a 100 milliamp draw indicates there is a serious drain on the system when it is not running. If the system is pulling a large load when it is running I would look at the headlight circuit and if you have an aftermarket stereo or alarm those would be suspect too... Email me back with what you find. You can get an inductive gauge from the parts store along with a volt/ohm meter and see what is causing your problem. Remember, this takes time and you simply isolate circuits until you find the suspect circuit. Also, remember that the ignition key cylinder can cause a drain if it is not shutting off the systems when you turn the car off. I have seen this on a few Nissan and Datsun cars that had many miles on them. Now, one more thing here is to make certain that the cables that go from the battery to the car and the wires at the alternator are in good order and are not corroded.
AnswerAlan,
The alternator is defective and should be replaced. The ground for the fields is the case and if you are getting voltage of what you say it is putting out nothing. I would get my money back and go to a different store to get another one. That is, if the alternator fuse link is good. Check this before you tear down the alternator.
