High VOLtage!

[thefastestz]

My 1978 280Z is acting funny. It is reading that when the car is on the battery is charged to 16 volts. When I turn on the fan or a/c the volt meter pegs to the top. The instrumentation lights get brighter for a brief moment. Then my clock works, but then like 45 min after the car is off it stops. Still the car used to start right up.

it ran rough.

This monning I went to start it. it started and turned off, I didn't give it any gas. I did this twice. Now the starter cranks but the engine won't start. Maybe the car needs a tune up.

The battery doesn't seem low but is

it possible for a alternator to overcharge a battery, or put too more than 12V into the system?

Thanx,

Ernie H

[MDyer]

Were you in my garage this morning trying to start my 77? Have you been driving mine? I was preparing to post the EXACT symptons. Do your lights, guages respond to revs? Mine DID, before its current condition.

I'm eagerly anticipating responses to this thread. Good Luck!

[Zedrally]

THis happened to me once. Same symtoms etc, had me puzzled to....

Eventually the alternator blew a field and took the VR with it, maybe it was the VR all along.

To cut a long story short, I replaced the altenator/VR with a internally regulated one and never had any problems since!

[thefastestz]

I guess my suspicions are probably true and I need a new altermator.

I don't think my 78 280z has a voltage regulator. Unless it is in a different location than the other early Zs.

As far as the car starting problems I took out my spark plugs and they were all fouled up. My ignition coil looked bad, and my distrubutor cap looked questionable.

I replaced the plug wires and coil.

I ran out of time, i still wanted to check my rotor and stuff.

I need a tune up. This car has been sitting for a year so i'll probably be replacing alot of things.

thanx,

Ernie H.

[24OZ]

I think the 78 Z's had an internal voltage regulator inside the alternator. The 240Z's had an external one.

I am pretty sure this is what needs replacing.. If its overcharging it will ruin your battery as it will be boiling all the fluids inside it. Check to see if there is any white powedery residue on your battery and even more importantly on the body work. This is ACID and if its not neutralised and wiped off the bodywork it will cause rusting.

[thefastestz]

Whoa! thanks for the warning I ran out and checked my car immeidiatly. NO white stuff yet. Scared me there. The problem just started and I didn't want to drive it that way.

You can replace just the built in regulator, right? Or do I have to buy a new alternator?

[Zedrally]

You can buy a new VR, however, many experts suggest that you also replace the altenator as a combination.

This isn't a theory I subsribe to as no one has actually convinced me why?

If you go the VR/Altenator combination then you may as well up grade to a IR altenator [reccommended].