Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Alternator Question

[firemanmarc]

I have been through my Dodge manual for what the alternator should be putting out and I can't find it anywhere. I have been having problems with my gauge (flucuating). It all started the other day, I got hot eletrical smell through my heater. I noticed my volt gauge was reading 12 or so, instead of the 14 it normally reads. It would show 14 with engine revs, and go back down on idle. I finally got to it today. While I was testing alternator with voltmeter, and reving engine, I got the same smell from area around it. I shut truck off and let it cool, after restarting it now shows 12. 31 at the alternator and the fuse in the fuse box. I am assuming my problem is my alternator, I am certainly no eletrical wiz, and it scares the out of me... Any ideas, I am getting a new alternator tomorrow. Also, now my fuel shutoff won't pull up on its own. . THanks, Marc

 

[KWentling]

I would check to see if a grid heater relay isn't stuck on. Check the wires at the grid heaters and see if they show signs of having been too hot. On a cold start does the volt meter show the grid heaters cycling? Another possible cause of the smell is the fuel heater at the prefilter. The electrical connection there has been known to have a melt down. (Mine did) I doubt the alternator is the problem. I'd be looking for a large electrical draw or short somewhere.

Kim

 

[firemanmarc]

Well, my fuel heater has been out of my truck for awhile. I took the feed wire to grid heaters off and it didn't change anything. I took the battery feed wire off the alternator and got nothing at all. I am pretty sure it was the alternator, new one will be on tomorrow. I guess time will tell... . Thank you, Marc