16 volt charge?

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Feb 27, 2012 | 03:31 PM

oxfordbp

Thread Starter

3rd Gear Member

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 687

From: East bay, CA

16 volt charge?

Why am I charging at 15-16 volts? Is that ok, or is something off?

Feb 27, 2012 | 03:37 PM

1slow67

ROTM Moderator

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 8,157

From: AL

That sounds like your voltage regulator is shot.

Feb 27, 2012 | 03:51 PM

oxfordbp

Thread Starter

3rd Gear Member

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 687

From: East bay, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1slow67

That sounds like your voltage regulator is shot.

Any way to Check for sure?

Can I drive it that way for a little bit, or will I fry the battery?

Feb 27, 2012 | 04:19 PM

1slow67

ROTM Moderator

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 8,157

From: AL

When mine went bad we got extra voltage and when we drove it around there would be a sulfur smell of the battery being overcharged.

Feb 27, 2012 | 08:40 PM

Starfury

6th Gear Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 5,896

From: Elk Grove, CA

Yeah, don't drive it like that. You'll toast the battery in short order. Definitely a regulator issue.

Feb 28, 2012 | 06:59 AM

Oxnard Montalvo

4th Gear Member

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,188

From: 1984

Unless you're a stickler for detail install an electronic voltage regulator. They aren't a whole lot more money than a mechanical one, are readily available, and provide more consistent operation.

Feb 28, 2012 | 06:38 PM

2+2GT

6th Gear Member

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 5,232

From: PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by oxfordbp

Any way to Check for sure?

Can I drive it that way for a little bit, or will I fry the battery?

The fact that you're getting 15V or more proves it. You will fry the battery, ignition, and possibly other items over time. The car should operate at approx 14V, so I wouldn't plan to go very far.