I'm down at Texas A&M. Replace my Daughters Alternator with a lifetime rebuilt from Oreilly's. Not happy with the voltage.
Here's the story. 2 month old battery went dead. Had it tested at Oreilly's and failed first test, marginal on second test. Gave her a new battery.
She brought the car to Sears for a charging system test. The results, "excesive voltage drop".
Figured it was the alternator, or more likely the voltage regulator. She measured the voltage. Car off 12.8 volts. Car on and at idle 12.4 so time for a new alternator. Flew down this morning and replaced the alternator with a rebuilt unit, in the parking garage, lots of fun.
Now we get, Car off 12.8, Car on at idle 12.7, at 2000 RPM 13.2.
I hope the new alternator is not bad. Were going to drive it home at about 7pm tonight.
I'm thinking that these items may be a problem. Battery - cable, battery + cable or the wire harness from the altenator to the starter contact, which meets the battery + cable at the starter.
battery + cable is a little rusted but I wire brushed the contact point. I'm afraid the interior of the wire is corroded.

Read all the "search" posts on alternator and this particular problem was not discussed.

Your ideas???


Dave

Let me add the battery warning light works as advertised. On bright with the key on but not started and then immediately goes out upon start. Also no dim glow. As I said works as advertised.

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car