The volt meter dropped to the orange line?

78elk

Dragway Regular
Mar 6, 2014
1,294
81
48
Mountain Home Id
I started up the 78 Elk again today. The volt meter dropped to the orange line. Is there any part I need to check in the alternator or do I need to replace the alternator?
 

melloelky

Top Fueler
Jul 1, 2009
3,654
31
48
mass
try testing the voltage coming out of the alternator,then @the battery.
 

78elk

Dragway Regular
Thread starter
Mar 6, 2014
1,294
81
48
Mountain Home Id
Thank you for your help. How do I do that? I have a meter but don't know where to connect the meter. The battery isn't very old and works great.
 

melloelky

Top Fueler
Jul 1, 2009
3,654
31
48
mass
with the car running place the + lead of the meter on the stud that comes out of the back and ground the - lead.
 

78elk

Dragway Regular
Thread starter
Mar 6, 2014
1,294
81
48
Mountain Home Id
There's 3 wires connected to the alternator. Two are together and one by itself. Which one is the one I need to check?
 

melloelky

Top Fueler
Jul 1, 2009
3,654
31
48
mass
There's 3 wires connected to the alternator. Two are together and one by itself. Which one is the one I need to check?
the one by itself should be a larger single red wire,that one.not the two smaller ones that are contained in a plastic plug.
 

melloelky

Top Fueler
Jul 1, 2009
3,654
31
48
mass
So the single one is the one I need to check? If it's working properly, I should read 13 volts?
yes,it will be a large/single wire with a ring termineral crimped onto it and it should be attached to a stud via a small nut.anywhere from 13 volts or higher indicates a charging alternator.
 

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