As to the alternator, worn brushes can make the voltage level oscillate between high and low points. Usually this is accompanied by a flickering charge warning lamp... but not always. Another thing that can happen is a failure of the onboard electronics in the alternator allowing excessive AC ripple to make it past the diodes. You can measure this by connecting a voltmeter across a good ground point and the big output terminal on the alternator. The DC voltage should measure somewhere between 13 and 14.5 volts with the engine running. If you switch your meter to AC volts (leave the meter lead connections the way they were) you will see a value anywhere from a few milli-volts up to maybe 1/2 volt. There are different opinions about what is acceptable. Regardless of what you find on the web, if you see 1/2 volt AC or more, there is likely a problem with the alternator.
Those high AC voltage swings can contribute to lights and accessories "flickering".
(OH... and make these voltage tests while driving around. Extend the meter leads and run them into the passenger compartment so you or your passenger can look at the meter while driving. And don't use a Smiths gauge to measure voltage. They respond much too slow.)
Doug L.
--Previous Message--
: Hi Glen,
: In Delaware, there emission test
: waivers available if you spend the
: minimum amount to try to fix the
: emissions. In my case, I have been
: using the waiver for the past 4 years.
: I think Lucas has a reputation of not
: being a verify reliable product as they
: get old. Over the years, I have
: replaced electrical connectors and
: wires.
:
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