Alternator, voltage regulator?
 

Hello all- i have a quick question. I am showing signs of a bad alternator or voltage regulator. i.e. all the electrics are getting slower and slower and soon the car won't start. (I am assuming) I have replaced the battery and i'm throwing in new brushes tomorrow. Thing is, is that when most people have "bad alternator symptoms" they mention that the electrics get stronger/brighter/faster as the car accelerates. This doesn't happen with mine...just slower and slower. Could this still be an alernator prob or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Thanks, J

Sounds like you're guessing and just throwing parts/money at the problem without knowing what's wrong.
Measure the voltage at the battery with the car off (should be approx 12 volts) and then again with the car running (should be approx 14 volts).
If the voltage doesn't increase with the car running, you've likely got an alternator/regulator issue.
Tell us what you find.

No difference.
 

Battery is dead(ish) at this point and tested at about 9.5v without car running, then about 10.5 with the car running. (after jumping it). Sounds like it's not charging, eh?

J

right
 

and it sounds like brushes prob. i always take it someplace where they do the complete testing and run it before buying anything. on the other hand the brushes are not expensive and easy to change so you are not out much if that is not the problem.

tom w

Brushes
 

Well, I had the VR on hand and replaced it. All is well. Thanks to this forum answering my questions about the ignition switch and the Voltage regulator i've probably saved about what; $1200.00 doing it myself... or something like that, i'm sure. This all helps when one is a college student. Thanks again all:)