[noahsdad]

Hey guys -
Just replaced the alternator on my '87 SDV, and the improvement is nothing short of a faith healing. Not that it was running bad before, but since the new alt went into service, everything seems to work better. The engine idles smoother, the tranny shifts cleaner, the electronics are crisp, and the thing turns over and starts in about 1/2 a revolution. Even the freakin' Bose sounds better! It's like driving a brand new car.
This got me thinking: recalling the VERY early days of Chrysler and AMC computerized spark advance, vacuum control, carbs and fuel injection, etc - I remember the regional service reps stressing that constant voltage was critical to everything harmonizing as it should. Something as simple as a weak battery cell used to throw Chryslers into a tantrum. My Cadillac factory manual is silent on the matter - but I've got to believe this is more than my imagination. What's your opinion?

 

[Aaron J Williams]

I believe that an alternator changeout could have the effects you mentioned. If you think about it, caddies have many electrical gadgets and accessories as well as computers and modules.All that stuff draws current. I think the Bose system has an amplifier or amplified speakers, which would be sensitive to voltage. Also, it's possible that if there was a bad connection at the alternator it got cleaned when the alternator was replaced. At any rate, it's great that your cad is way better after the repair! :thumbsup:

 

[Stoneage_Caddy]

Hey guys -
Just replaced the alternator on my '87 SDV, and the improvement is nothing short of a faith healing. Not that it was running bad before, but since the new alt went into service, everything seems to work better. The engine idles smoother, the tranny shifts cleaner, the electronics are crisp, and the thing turns over and starts in about 1/2 a revolution. Even the freakin' Bose sounds better! It's like driving a brand new car.
This got me thinking: recalling the VERY early days of Chrysler and AMC computerized spark advance, vacuum control, carbs and fuel injection, etc - I remember the regional service reps stressing that constant voltage was critical to everything harmonizing as it should. Something as simple as a weak battery cell used to throw Chryslers into a tantrum. My Cadillac factory manual is silent on the matter - but I've got to believe this is more than my imagination. What's your opinion?

this is pretty normal to have happen ...everything is desgined to run on 12v , with the car running at a stoplight , AC on radio and all that going i bet you were pulling 11.7-11.9 volts , close to 12 ....but im betting right now your sitting at 12.8-13.5 volts at lights with all accesorys going , and a little behind the scenes your probably also produceing the correct amperage ....

Im one of the few freaks out there , ill acutally get rid of a alternator if i cant get more than 12.5 volts out of it at idle with the acessorys on....

some laugh at me , but ive never been stranded with a dead alternator ...