How do I know if I have a bad voltage regulator?

[paulhead]

My Yellow top is smoking/hissing. Maybe a bad batteyr? I bought it used.

 

[tech1001]

Have put a voltage gauge and see how much the alt. is putting out ?

 

[paulhead]

13-14 volts. But doesn't the regulator back off once it's charged the battery? Or are they bad when they're putting too much out?

 

[tech1001]

13-14 volts is good the next thing is to get the battery tested . the battery should not be smoking at that voltage .

 

[paulhead]

13-14 volts is good the next thing is to get the battery tested . the battery should not be smoking at that voltage .

The volt meter in the dash would be pegged too right?

 

[tech1001]

Ya , if you were over charging . I think you have a shorted cell in your battery .

 

[lawsoncl]

13-14 volts. But doesn't the regulator back off once it's charged the battery? Or are they bad when they're putting too much out?

What's the voltage with the engine off? If it's under 11 volts, then I would suspect a shorted cell.

 

[paulhead]

What's the voltage with the engine off? If it's under 11 volts, then I would suspect a shorted cell.

11.58 v , charging it's 14.4

 

[RCP Phx]

Unless you have really bad connections/cables, you've got a bad battery.

 

[techno1154]

11.58 v , charging it's 14.4

Your battery is at least 1 volt down which = a bad battery.

 

[paulhead]

Really? Ok, thanks guys

 

[paulhead]

Dropped in a new battery, 14.1v charging, 12.7 off. So basically I paid $70 for an $18 core because I was trying to get a used yellowtop :bawl:

 

[tech1001]

Good to hear you got it straighten out