Does this sound like an ALTERNATOR...?

Question

OK... My cousin has an older Ice Cream Truck that has had all kinds of problems lately. He just had the engined serviced. Last week his fan belt broke.

Now... here is what is happening. He will be driving slowly through the neighborhoods for a few hours and after while... whenever he hits the brake his music box will seemingly go real low and at a slower rythem.

Next thing you know, the engine will run very poorly and it will stall.... He needs a jumpstart to get going again. In the morning... he needed a jumpstart once again.

He took it to his mechanic who said that the problem was caused by a low idle... which was speeded up somewhat.

The first half of today... everything went smoothly... but about

6:00... it died again in exactly the same manner.

Does this sound like an ALTERNATOR? Are alternator and charging issues hard to diagnose? Could a very weak battery ever cause any of the above symptoms?

It is very frustrating. Any educated guesses?

Thanks in advance.

annie

idbwill · Accepted Answer

The: Year/Make/Model would really,help me help you.(sounds like Jerry McQuire)

the above symptoms?Are alternator and charging issues hard to diagnose?<

No.

ps. Tell him to find a different mechanic!

Steve B. · Answer

Could BE No Yes.  Even if the battery was good he has likely done permanent damage to it by continuing to run it down. Find a real mechanic.

nj_annie · Answer

1969 CHEVY VAN.  Sorry... but I don't know much more than that. Thanks annie

Don Stauffer in Minnesota · Answer

Current cars with engine computers are more sensitive to bus voltage than older cars with non-electric carburetors and simple Kettering ignitions. Low voltage can screw up both computers and engine sensors. Try hand push starting a modern small car- very hard job if battery is low!

zzyzzx · Answer

They really need to install a voltmeter gauge.

boxing · Answer

Test with a volt meter across the battery. You should have about 13.2 volts with the key off. If you don't, try charging the battery over night with the battery cables disconnected. If it still isn't up to 13.2 volts then the battery is shot. Some batteries don't stand up under load. You could also do a load test. You should have about 15 volts across the battery with the engine running. If it isn't somewhere close to that voltage then likely either the alternator or the voltage regulator is bad. A lot of auto parts stores will do battery and alternator tests for free. You just have to take it in and they test it. Call around. I think an ice cream truck would put a lot of stress on the battery and alternator. If you need to replace the alternator then ask for the biggest one you can get, maybe a 105 amp. If the battery is shot then get the most powerful that will fit in your battery box.

Does this sound like an ALTERNATOR...?

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