Electrical surges

After poking through the tech section and forum search didn't find an answer.

This isn't a "problem" as of yet more of an annoyance that I'm sure will become a problem.

I seem to be getting power surges in the electrical system. Head lights will get brighter fan will run faster......

I'm thinking 3 possibilities.

1) alt on it's way out
2) Voltage regulator on it's way out
3) bad ground.

It happens randomly and for random amounts of time (could last 1 second or 60)

truck runs fine, starts fine, seems to charge the battery fine. No issues other than the surge (annoys people in front of me...no I'm not flashing you

I had an issue this weekend with it not starting
replaced the battery didn't fix it
replaced the started didn't fix it
replace the solenoid and that fix the not starting.
Also picked up an NOS headlight switch (and what ever the box attached to it is)

Hey I got a new battery and start out of it so I don't have to worry about them.

My 70 dart had an issue where the Alt crapped out but in doing so blew the voltage back though the wiring and melted the wiring in the engine compartment into one coper wire (ws not fun replacing).
I don't want the same to happen here.


Side note:

I picked up half top this weekend also, need to clean it but it looks good. They also found the NOS switches for me (as well as a tailgate and swing out tire carrier).

If your looking for any parts email Rich at

jeepagain@yahoo.com

Let him know I sent you

 

it could be any/all of the three possibilities you list.
Least inexpensive would be to make sure all connections are clean and tight, grounds included.
Next on my list would then be the regulator.
The starting system conponents you replaced shouldn't have had any effect (as you found out).

 

If it's the alternator or regulator, I would recommend converting over to a GM style alternator with the internal regulator. The're easy to install, cheaper to replace , easier to find, and come in several amp ratings.

 

4th possibility.
The alt working into the battery holds a steady load (voltage) reflecting back to the v-reg. When this connection is lost, the Alt will surge, causing your symptom. If your alt output is connected to the battery pos cable via that smaller wire or simmular, that could be the culprit. HTH

 

Mine did that - it was the reg

 

Well replaced the voltage reg and solenoid and that seems to have fixed the issue.

Thanks for the input.