Voltage Spikes
 

I recently "blew" the voltage regulator out of a late model GM CS121 alternator that was on my Olds Stocker. Voltage went in excess of 16 volts after only 2-3 runs after installation. I swapped it back out for the original early internally-regulated Delco unit that was OEM and all has been fine so far. I was told that it failed due to voltage "spikes" in the system. Could this be correct and what could be the cause of voltage spikes? I have heard that a bad battery could cause this?

Re: Voltage Spikes
 

Had a similar problem last year with 2 different alternators. ................ After talking
to John Andreka at East Coast Auto Electric , I traced the problem to a ground jumper wire that had high resistance due to corrosion between the attaching bolt and the aluminum head it was attached to.
Fixed the ground and have not had the problem reoccur.

Re: Voltage Spikes
 

You have heard real-estate people say "location, location, location"?
First three things you check with electrical problems are grounds, grounds, grounds.

Re: Voltage Spikes
 

That's the truth!!! I chased a problem for half the season once on a new Pro Stock car. A spark plug/coil problem that finally went away after I ran a #10 ground wire from each side of the chassis to each cylinder head.

Re: Voltage Spikes
 

I always get voltage spikes when I put my screw driver in the wall socket.It's really playing havoc with the hasir on my head.What's with that?

Re: Voltage Spikes
 

Need better grounds!

Re: Voltage Spikes
 

I've never seen a hasir, but surmise that we'd all love to see a pic of you wearing one Ed!!