Classic Mustangs List Archive

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Mail From: cwdaniel (Cliff Daniel)

What should a normal voltage reading be in a 66 Mustang 289. I have a
"generic" solid state regulator in there, my analyzer manual says I should
be seeing 13+ volts. I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another meter.
The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and blower on,
it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?

Cliff Daniel
Tempe, AZ

66 Fastback
members.cox.net/cwdaniel/stang%20page/indexstang.htm

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Mail From: ckelly (Chris Kelly)

It should be in the 13.6~14.5 range. Typically, that is not good enough.
IIRC, you need over 13V to keep the battery fresh and run all the other
loads.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: (email redacted) [mailto:classic-
> (email redacted)] On Behalf Of Cliff Daniel
> Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2004 9:18 PM
> To: Stang
> Subject: [CM] Voltage reading?
>
> What should a normal voltage reading be in a 66 Mustang 289. I have a
> "generic" solid state regulator in there, my analyzer manual says I should
> be seeing 13+ volts. I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another meter.
> The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and blower
> on,
> it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?
>
> Cliff Daniel
> Tempe, AZ
>
> 66 Fastback
> members.cox.net/cwdaniel/stang%20page/indexstang.htm
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Classic-mustangs mailing list
> (email redacted)
> lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: wal (Wal Marshall)

> I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another meter.
> The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and blower
on,
> it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?

Reading taken across the battery with the engine running at 1000rpm or
more....right Cliff?

Wal Marshall

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: cwdaniel (Cliff Daniel)

Well no, the analyzer gadget ties into the alternator wiring. RPM doesn't
make a difference in the readings. The alt is working all right too, it's
new and moves the amp gauge when the lights, etc. go on. Maybe I should put
the points style regulator in and see if that changes anything.

Cliff

-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailtoemail redacted)]On Behalf Of Wal
Marshall
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2004 8:00 PM
To: A list for owners of Classic Mustangs
Subject: Re: [CM] Voltage reading?


> I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another meter.
> The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and blower
on,
> it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?

Reading taken across the battery with the engine running at 1000rpm or
more....right Cliff?

Wal Marshall

_______________________________________________
Classic-mustangs mailing list
(email redacted)
lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: smckee1 (Scott & Tina Mckee)

RPM does make a difference, that's why there's regulation. The higher
the RPM, the higher the raw output voltage - the regulator keeps the
output to the "tolerable" voltage. Alternators have better low RPM
output than Generators but they still need RPM. Go to the extreme,
would you expect 14.5 volts out when its going 10 RPM?

Try measuring at 1000 RPM as advised and see what you get.

Scott
71 Mustang

Cliff Daniel wrote:

>Well no, the analyzer gadget ties into the alternator wiring. RPM doesn't
>make a difference in the readings. The alt is working all right too, it's
>new and moves the amp gauge when the lights, etc. go on. Maybe I should put
>the points style regulator in and see if that changes anything.
>
>Cliff
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: (email redacted)
>[mailtoemail redacted)]On Behalf Of Wal
>Marshall
>Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2004 8:00 PM
>To: A list for owners of Classic Mustangs
>Subject: Re: [CM] Voltage reading?
>
>
>
>
>> I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another meter.
>>The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and blower
>>
>>
>on,
>
>
>>it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?
>>
>>
>
>Reading taken across the battery with the engine running at 1000rpm or
>more....right Cliff?
>
>Wal Marshall
>
>_______________________________________________
>Classic-mustangs mailing list
>(email redacted)
>lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Classic-mustangs mailing list
>(email redacted)
>lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs
>
>
>

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Mail From: jinnis (John MacInnis)

Hi Cliff,
If you are measuring the voltage to a battery that is in low state of charge
you won't get a high voltage reading. The current will be high in the above
condition and as the current drops with battery charge increases the voltage
will climb to 13.8 to 14.2 which is enough to keep the system happy.
You should be measuring current as the same time and that would give you a
better idea as to what is happening.
I hope this helps.

John MacInnis
Kingston NS
(email redacted)

-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailtoemail redacted)]On Behalf Of Cliff
Daniel
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2004 11:18 PM
To: Stang
Subject: [CM] Voltage reading?

What should a normal voltage reading be in a 66 Mustang 289. I have a
"generic" solid state regulator in there, my analyzer manual says I should
be seeing 13+ volts. I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another meter.
The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and blower on,
it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?

Cliff Daniel
Tempe, AZ

66 Fastback
members.cox.net/cwdaniel/stang%20page/indexstang.htm


_______________________________________________
Classic-mustangs mailing list
(email redacted)
lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: markrussellaz (markrussellaz)


The battery, if all cells are working correctly, will be at exactly
13.2 volts - the chemical reaction in the battery cell generates 2.2 v,
and there are 6 cells. If the battery voltage is below about 12.8,
there is a problem, and if below about 12.6 there is a major problem.
This is all due to internal resistance or a non operating cell. It is
absolutely important that this reading is taken at the battery so you
can exclude other resistances in circuits.

With the engine running, the alternator has to put out more voltage
than the battery is at to charge it, so ideally more than 13.2,
realistically, due to resistances in the wiring, it will be much closer
to 14 v.

If there were no resistances in the wiring or internal to battery, you
could measure the voltage anywhere, and it would be exactly the same.
In an old Mustang, there are likely a lot of corroded, resistive
connections, and so much more variance in the voltage levels at
different points in the circuit. So, it is important in trying to
understand the operation of the system by check it at different points
- at battery, near alternator, near starter, etc., especially in the
hot Arizona summer or the cold northern winters (why would anyone live
there?).

If you are good about keeping up your Stang, and maybe concerned about
not getting stuck somewhere, it would probably not be a bad idea to
check at certain points at some check up interval, especially if you
suspect a problem. Batteries here do not last long or like the summer.

Hope this helps

Mark
Phoenix



>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2004 19:17:45 -0700
> From: "Cliff Daniel" <(email redacted)>
> Subject: [CM] Voltage reading?
> To: "Stang" <(email redacted)>
> Message-ID: <(email redacted)>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>
> What should a normal voltage reading be in a 66 Mustang 289. I have a
> "generic" solid state regulator in there, my analyzer manual says I
> should
> be seeing 13+ volts. I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another
> meter.
> The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and
> blower on,
> it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?
>
> Cliff Daniel
> Tempe, AZ
>
> 66 Fastback
> members.cox.net/cwdaniel/stang%20page/indexstang.htm
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------




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This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: rob.edwards666 (Rob Edwards)

Hi,

I think this link shed some light on problems with battery charging in
older vehicles.

landiss.com/battery.htm


Rob

-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailtoemail redacted)] On Behalf Of
markrussellaz
Sent: 28 June 2004 19:40
To: (email redacted)
Subject: Re: [CM] Voltage reading?


The battery, if all cells are working correctly, will be at exactly
13.2 volts - the chemical reaction in the battery cell generates 2.2 v,
and there are 6 cells. If the battery voltage is below about 12.8,
there is a problem, and if below about 12.6 there is a major problem.
This is all due to internal resistance or a non operating cell. It is
absolutely important that this reading is taken at the battery so you
can exclude other resistances in circuits.

With the engine running, the alternator has to put out more voltage
than the battery is at to charge it, so ideally more than 13.2,
realistically, due to resistances in the wiring, it will be much closer
to 14 v.

If there were no resistances in the wiring or internal to battery, you
could measure the voltage anywhere, and it would be exactly the same.
In an old Mustang, there are likely a lot of corroded, resistive
connections, and so much more variance in the voltage levels at
different points in the circuit. So, it is important in trying to
understand the operation of the system by check it at different points
- at battery, near alternator, near starter, etc., especially in the
hot Arizona summer or the cold northern winters (why would anyone live
there?).

If you are good about keeping up your Stang, and maybe concerned about
not getting stuck somewhere, it would probably not be a bad idea to
check at certain points at some check up interval, especially if you
suspect a problem. Batteries here do not last long or like the summer.

Hope this helps

Mark
Phoenix



>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2004 19:17:45 -0700
> From: "Cliff Daniel" <(email redacted)>
> Subject: [CM] Voltage reading?
> To: "Stang" <(email redacted)>
> Message-ID: <(email redacted)>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>
> What should a normal voltage reading be in a 66 Mustang 289. I have a
> "generic" solid state regulator in there, my analyzer manual says I
> should
> be seeing 13+ volts. I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another
> meter.
> The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and
> blower on,
> it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?
>
> Cliff Daniel
> Tempe, AZ
>
> 66 Fastback
> members.cox.net/cwdaniel/stang%20page/indexstang.htm
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------




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_______________________________________________
Classic-mustangs mailing list
(email redacted)
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This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: cwdaniel (Cliff Daniel)

I have measured at different rpm's, no fluctuation at all in the meter.

Cliff
-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailtoemail redacted)]On Behalf Of Scott &
Tina Mckee
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2004 8:38 PM
To: A list for owners of Classic Mustangs
Subject: Re: [CM] Voltage reading?


RPM does make a difference, that's why there's regulation. The higher the
RPM, the higher the raw output voltage - the regulator keeps the output to
the "tolerable" voltage. Alternators have better low RPM output than
Generators but they still need RPM. Go to the extreme, would you expect
14.5 volts out when its going 10 RPM?

Try measuring at 1000 RPM as advised and see what you get.

Scott
71 Mustang

Cliff Daniel wrote:

Well no, the analyzer gadget ties into the alternator wiring. RPM doesn't
make a difference in the readings. The alt is working all right too, it's
new and moves the amp gauge when the lights, etc. go on. Maybe I should put
the points style regulator in and see if that changes anything.

Cliff

-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailtoemail redacted)]On Behalf Of Wal
Marshall
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2004 8:00 PM
To: A list for owners of Classic Mustangs
Subject: Re: [CM] Voltage reading?


I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another meter.
The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and blower
on,
it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?

Reading taken across the battery with the engine running at 1000rpm or
more....right Cliff?

Wal Marshall

_______________________________________________
Classic-mustangs mailing list
(email redacted)
lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs


_______________________________________________
Classic-mustangs mailing list
(email redacted)
lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs


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Mail From: cwdaniel (Cliff Daniel)

Thanks, that could be an issue. The battery is new but has been idle for
some time. I'll give it a charge and see what changes.

Cliff

-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailtoemail redacted)]On Behalf Of John
MacInnis
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2004 11:12 AM
To: A list for owners of Classic Mustangs
Subject: RE: [CM] Voltage reading?


Hi Cliff,
If you are measuring the voltage to a battery that is in low state of charge
you won't get a high voltage reading. The current will be high in the above
condition and as the current drops with battery charge increases the voltage
will climb to 13.8 to 14.2 which is enough to keep the system happy.
You should be measuring current as the same time and that would give you a
better idea as to what is happening.
I hope this helps.

John MacInnis
Kingston NS
(email redacted)

-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailtoemail redacted)]On Behalf Of Cliff
Daniel
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2004 11:18 PM
To: Stang
Subject: [CM] Voltage reading?

What should a normal voltage reading be in a 66 Mustang 289. I have a
"generic" solid state regulator in there, my analyzer manual says I should
be seeing 13+ volts. I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another meter.
The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and blower on,
it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?

Cliff Daniel
Tempe, AZ

66 Fastback
members.cox.net/cwdaniel/stang%20page/indexstang.htm


_______________________________________________
Classic-mustangs mailing list
(email redacted)
lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs

_______________________________________________
Classic-mustangs mailing list
(email redacted)
lists.twistedpair.ca/mailman/listinfo.cgi/classic-mustangs

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: cwdaniel (Cliff Daniel)

Amen to that on Arizona death to batteries! The only battery I've had last
longer than 3 yeas hear is the Optima in my 4x4. But it doesn't see much use
in the summer. I'm trying out the NAPA Orbital copy of the Optima in the
Stang and my truck, we'll see how they hold up. Meanwhile I'll give the
battery a good charge and check it again.



-----Original Message-----
From: (email redacted)
[mailtoemail redacted)]On Behalf Of
markrussellaz
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2004 11:40 AM
To: (email redacted)
Subject: Re: [CM] Voltage reading?



The battery, if all cells are working correctly, will be at exactly
13.2 volts - the chemical reaction in the battery cell generates 2.2 v,
and there are 6 cells. If the battery voltage is below about 12.8,
there is a problem, and if below about 12.6 there is a major problem.
This is all due to internal resistance or a non operating cell. It is
absolutely important that this reading is taken at the battery so you
can exclude other resistances in circuits.

With the engine running, the alternator has to put out more voltage
than the battery is at to charge it, so ideally more than 13.2,
realistically, due to resistances in the wiring, it will be much closer
to 14 v.

If there were no resistances in the wiring or internal to battery, you
could measure the voltage anywhere, and it would be exactly the same.
In an old Mustang, there are likely a lot of corroded, resistive
connections, and so much more variance in the voltage levels at
different points in the circuit. So, it is important in trying to
understand the operation of the system by check it at different points
- at battery, near alternator, near starter, etc., especially in the
hot Arizona summer or the cold northern winters (why would anyone live
there?).

If you are good about keeping up your Stang, and maybe concerned about
not getting stuck somewhere, it would probably not be a bad idea to
check at certain points at some check up interval, especially if you
suspect a problem. Batteries here do not last long or like the summer.

Hope this helps

Mark
Phoenix



>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2004 19:17:45 -0700
> From: "Cliff Daniel" <(email redacted)>
> Subject: [CM] Voltage reading?
> To: "Stang" <(email redacted)>
> Message-ID: <(email redacted)>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>
> What should a normal voltage reading be in a 66 Mustang 289. I have a
> "generic" solid state regulator in there, my analyzer manual says I
> should
> be seeing 13+ volts. I'm getting 12.2, double checked with another
> meter.
> The system seems to be doing its job, no drop with the lights and
> blower on,
> it stays steady at 12+ volts. Good enough?
>
> Cliff Daniel
> Tempe, AZ
>
> 66 Fastback
> members.cox.net/cwdaniel/stang%20page/indexstang.htm
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------




__________________________________
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_______________________________________________
Classic-mustangs mailing list
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This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: markrussellaz (markrussellaz)


One other thing, since I'm on a roll here ...

When I've replaced alternators, they have a tag or instruction sheet
that says do not charge battery with alternator - ie run the engine -
if the battery voltage is below is below 12.6 or something like that.
This means you need a standalone charger that is capable of providing
sufficient current or else a current limited trickle charge type thing.

I'm pretty sure this is because of the current draw the alternator will
see due to the lower battery voltage / higher current demands.

If it is 12.6, that would seem to disagree with the previously
mentioned web page which says cells are about 2.1 volts per cell, 12.6
for the battery. I think the different technologies / material used
inside the battery provide different energy / voltage levels.

I am pretty sure about the 2.2 per cell though, my battery, fully
charged measures ~13 v, soooo....

Or maybe its 2.1, 2.2, whatever it takes .... !

Mark
Phoenix

> Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2004 16:11:43 -0700
> From: "Cliff Daniel" <(email redacted)>
> Subject: RE: [CM] Voltage reading?
> To: "A list for owners of Classic Mustangs"
> <(email redacted)>
> Message-ID: <(email redacted)>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>
> Thanks, that could be an issue. The battery is new but has been idle
> for
> some time. I'll give it a charge and see what changes.
>
> Cliff
>





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