Generator question...

Recently when I'm out and about in the Vette, I noticed that the "GEN" (gernerator) light seems to want to come on alot.  This is especially prevelant when I'm at a stop and the worse when the head lights are on.  This even occurs when the gauge is still reading above 13V.  The battery is relatively new, and I did not see this problem when I drove the car from Chicago to Naples FL last month.  Any ideas?  Is this a sign of the generator on the way out?

It could be as simple as a loose alternator belt, a bad or loose connection on the alternator, or possibly the alternator (or it's internal voltage regulator) is in need of rebuilding or replacement. It could be the battery as well, not accepting a charge due to heavily sulfated plates, but not nearly as likely.

I've seen nearly new batteries that went bad. 

Most likely suspect would be a loose/glazed belt, but it could also be the alt. If you have a voltmeter, check it at the back of the alt. & see if it's really low voltage or not. A good alt. will put out 13-14.5v idling, with no load. With a/c & headlights on, you should still have 13v. Check the belt first, & then the voltage. Make sure the connections are good & snug at the alt. and the batt.
If the voltage is low after checking all that, then it's most likely time for an o/haul on the alt.

btw...I never depend on what an alt. gauge shows! My 'Burban always shows below 10v with the A/C (both) on high, but if I check it with a meter at the batt., it shows over 13v. My '85 Vette is the same way. Adams' Apple38551.8246412037

Yeah, I had to replace the voltage regulator on my alternator last year for the same reason (gen light always on).  Thanks to Ken (kstyer) a $5.00 part and about 45 minutes of work saved me the cost of a new alternator, which the local alternator shop said I needed.  You can get a good DYI article from (sorry guys) www.corvettefaq.com that explains in detail how to disassemble and reassemble your alternator...I'm not that mechanically inclined so if I can do it, I'm real sure you can.

My suggestion is spend the $5.00 at your local Auto Zone, replace the regulator and see if that doesn't cure your generator light problem.  If it doesn't, you're only out $5.00 and 45 minutes of your time...plus you get the added satisfaction of having done it yourself.

Just my 2 cents,

 

Thanks all - too much to do today to deal with this prob - have to take care of my other baby (it's the Harley's turn).  ASAP I'll check out the belt and the regulator.  I don't think the A/C is adding to the load since I haven't quite gotten that problem fixed yet, so I never have it on (thank God for t-tops!). 

Thanks for all the tips.  I looked into the generator problem, and noticed that the black wire attached on the top side of the generator was being held on by only one strand.  I re-crimped the wire and connector after striping a new section of wire, and I think the problem's licked...

Glad to hear it was a relatively painless fix. If only all repair problems we had on our cars were so simple!

Well, the alarm horn fix was pretty painless too.... I just lucked out finding a guy selling his original alarm horn off his 79.

Of course, I still have to get the driver's side tie-rod, all 3 U joints, and the passenger rear caliper fixed..... (and you know Murphy from Murphy's Law will be sure to vist!)

Boo-hoo! What else do you have to do?!
You know, but may not want to admit, that we'll never finish finding something to do with our 'Vettes!!!

Glad to hear you found a solution to your charging problem! Adams' Apple38553.7973263889