Charging system help!?

[Dddaviso7]

I've searched through the posts and can't find a problem like this. So hopefully someone can help before i break down and take it to a ..... Shop

The truck is a 94, 2.3l, 5spd. Basic DD Ranger.

My battery light randomly flickered while the electrical system was under loads (Headlights, radio, blower motor). But the light would go off at a higher RPM. I assumed alternator since I replaced the battery (With a battery putting out 880cca). While removing my alternator to have it tested, I notice the main wire was corroded pretty badly, so I ran a new one which is slightly larger. Also noticed my belt and tensioner were bad. I know all 3 of those things causes charging problems, so they were replaced with new. Checked the other accessories/pulleys, they're good.

Alternator came back bad, So I bought a brand new 130amp unit and threw that on. At this point I have basically a new charging system. But my volt gauge still drops pretty low under loads, almost as bad as it did before the new parts. The battery light flickers still. Stays on when at idle with loads (clutch in at a red light, with heat on 3 or 4). What else should I check!? Any ideas?

Thank you in advance.
-Davis

 

[06RangerXLT]

sound like a voltage regulator has gone bad. they are supposed to adjust the power from the alternator to charge the battery. not sure where your is located, but it seems like its not doing its job. low rpm = low voltage high = high. should be even throughout the spectrum.

get a volt meter and check battery voltage at idle, then have someone hold the gas and check it. if it goes up at rpm id look into the regulator.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Pull all the grounds apart and sand them metal to metal. Somtimes the cables get corroded under the insulation new cables wouldnt hurt either. Marine battery terminals are the best and you can add accessories easier. Batt to chassis, batt to engine, engine to chassis, battery to computer, and adding a ground from alternator body to battery is a good upgrade.

 

[Dddaviso7]

Grounds will be my next step, I always over look them.

Voltage regulator is on my alternator i believe and mine is brand new. Maybe i should have it tested anyway. Could be a lemon....