car won't start

[Nacks]

Hi,

"i guess my questions is...whats the max voltage i can send to the battery? before its too much. also does anyone know how to test amperage from a voltage tester? all the settings i put it on read OL except for DC volt settings"

The alternator's current output is self-limiting eg. a 55A alternator won't put out more than it's maximum 55A.

Your regulator SHOULD limit the system voltage to 14.4V DC. Anything higher than that will do cute things like boil a battery dry with acid subsequently leaking on to the paintwork, plus it'll kill the battery stone dead. It'll also blow headlight and brake light globes and possibly hurt your instruments/gauges, electric fuel pump, wiper motor etc. etc.

As for your tester, most voltage testers will only pass a couple of amps maximum but your alternator is capable of generating at least 35A, maybe up to 55, so I suggest you limit your concern to the output voltage and try to see why it isn't charging. You'll sort out any current output issues (assuming you don't have a faulty alternator that isn't capable of generating it's maximum current output) by first fixing the voltage regulating issues you've mentioned.

It's also very easy to blow an alternator by running the car without a battery connected so I certainly advise against trying that.

Sorry I can't give you any specific advice on what to connect to what, your Z probably has a different charging circuit to the ones I've seen here in Australia and me making suggestions might fry your wiring or even blow your regulator or alternator.

Your best bet's to take it to someone who knows what they're doing. It's really easy to turn an inexpensive operation into a very expensive one by blowing electrical components.

Hope this helps,

Nacks