Ok so here goes.... PLEASE HELP!!! Oh ok..

So i have a 1990 crx si. The alternator went out on it cause my volt guage in my dash was going from 10volts to 18.1 volts. Not good right. K so i replaced it and was sittin pretty at 14 for the next week. Then as im driving home it slowly drops from 14 then down and down tell it gets to about 8 (lowest guage goes). then as im driving my rpm guage drops to zero and my radio turns off then on.... Wierd right. So i changed the alternator again and had it checked. It was trashed too. Funny thing is when i bought that alternator i had them check it before i bought it. It was good! So i put the 3rd alternator on and drove down the road and everything is great right... wrong! So i turn the lights on bright and turn my flashers on and turn the radio on... now im down to 12 volts... WHAT THE CRAP!?!?!?!?!?! Both the 2nd and 3rd alternators were checked good before i put them on... but there not working. I replaced the positive cable and the negative. So what can it be?? What actually burns up an alternator? My cables are all tight and yes my battery is good. Its brand new and i took it in and had that tested also. PLEASE HELP!

 

I think the third alternator is fine. Under a full electrical load (e.g., high beam headlights ON), it's not abnormal for the voltage to drop to 10.5-12 volts.

 

u sure?? I dont think the first one did that before it went bad. The second didnt either.

 

Ignoring the voltage readings on your gauge for the moment, are you experiencing any electrical problems?

 

If it happens again, maybe you should buy a different brand of alternator. Its possible that you ran into a batch of bad parts.

 

Well my dash clock dims WAY down so i almost cant see it.

 

If you have noticeable dimming, then I have to agree that the alternator/regulator would seem to be bad. Maybe purchase a new OEM alternator?

 

This is gettin crazy! I cant stand electrical problems! id rather have something HUGE but atleast know what the prob is then something little but not know...

 

Maybe you should try a higher amp alternator. My dash lights always dimmed a little on my old civic when I had on my headlights, cd player and sysytem on. It was usually running 11 volts with all running.

 

Ok so i noticed that my idle drops WAY low when my voltage drops to 12... I also noticed twice that my radio station went static on me and i looked down at my volt guage and i was at 12 again.. could that have anything to do with it???