How does the alt. react in '91 loyale

[odyssey]

It's kinda strange that the alt. goes to the limit when you first start it
up, and gradually goes in a decline.. Is this normal ? But it seems that it
doesn't go down low eough like it should ..Well like in other cars that I
have driven. Is this common in Subaru's ?

 

[Tony Hwang]

Hi,
Maybe sign of your battery getting tired?
Tony

 

[odyssey]

Hadn't thought about that..interesting ! Thanks, any more thoughts?

 

[Tony Hwang]

Hi,
When you crank engine, it sucks lots of curent draining battery.
As your engine starts and runs, quickly it charges up. Ammeter on
the dash shows it. Check all the cables. If you have a multimeter
check the static battery voltage as well as charging voltage at idle.
You may find something. I live in COLD climate. Today, I got a foot of
wet snow and temp was around -10C with wind blowing. We take care of
charging system very well which could be a life and dead matter while
out driving in cold.
Tony

 

[Felix Crashalot]

A cheap voltmeter will tell everything.

Engine not running, the battery shall be between 12.3 and 13 volts,
depending on its charge state. If it is below 12 volts (less than 10%
of energy remaining), either the alternator does not charge it enough,
or the battery is going away.

At startup, the voltage shall rise up to 13.9-14.1 volts, rather
quickly if the battery is in a good condition. Above 14.1 volts, the
alt charges too much, the battery gets overcharged, it will start
gassing and won't live long. Under 13.8 volts, the alt does not
charge properly, or the battery is in trouble and the alt can't charge
it properly.

 

[odyssey]

That is the most excellent explenation, I thankyou..