OK... all facades aside... It's really the alternator in my truck...

My old alternator's bearings went kaput, so I got a new one from the parts store (the old one was still warranteed)...

The old one had a capacitor mounted on the exterior, the new one didn't, so I took the cap and put it on the new one... They were identical otherwise...

Well, the dern thing will only charge at an idle and doesn't charge very well then... It won't keep the battery charged when the wipers, blower and headlights are on... major voltage drop complete with sputtering motor.

Is it possible that the new alternator has a capacitor that is internal, or otherwise doesn't need the cap that I installed from the old one? Could the "doubled up" caps be causing the problem?

Another note, can't seem to get the belt tight enough for it to stop squeaking too... Might be most of the problem... (glazed?)

I'm going to replace the belt on Monday and see if it helps.

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[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 01-19-2002).]

-Virgil
Residential/Commercial Inspector
5 Star Inspections
Member IAEI