Quote Originally Posted by tim eh? View Post
actually, claude i think you're right...

battery is a 'moll' and less than a year old... have to get some more readings but it is now suspect #1. wish i had more gear but i only have a voltmeter and a booster pack.

...gotta get this tested properly... autolectra (where i bought the battery) won't do a load test unless battery is fully charged which means waiting for 4-5 hours with the battery out (doesn't end up higher than 12.5 no matter how many rpms i give it) and they are far.

can i borrow a battery from another car if the amp output is similar? i'm thinking i could compare symptoms or just use it to drop mine off if i can tie it down tight enough.

whacked Q: how 'bout my 700 amp booster pack? can it be used in place of the car battery just to test system voltage (ie engine running no driving) or is that just a recipe for disaster? so far i have restrained myself (think exploding acid everywhere...)

so sorry for the typical noob questions...
Good idea to make tests with another battery. Nothing you can do with the battery charger alone.

With another good battery you will be able to compare the results with the actual, you will have to make those tests it over one or two days running the car in different conditions (with and without heavy loads, just doing short runs... not enough time for the battery to completly recharge... and a long run... couple of hours on highway enough time for the battery to normaly recharge).

You still may suspect both your battery and your new alternator, if the alternator does not do is job properly any battery will fall overtime... and a real bad battery (short inside) may scarp the alternator (to much load for him) you see that's the dog and tail. But at a glance, unless your alternator has intermittent trouble it look fine to me according to the voltage you get from it.

Good luck.