1985 Buick Century Car won't start when it is hot after ALT

LYDIALYDIA

MEMBER
1985 BUICK CENTURY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
79,000 MILES

I had a broken alternator belt which I replaced - my car ran fine though my voltage reads lower than "normal" for my car (under 13.0). It ususally reads 14.8 which is slightly high.

Someone told me a microchip under my steering column might be malfuntioning. I need an expert opinion which way to go.

Thanks - Lydia

Monday, June 23rd, 2008 AT 1:16 PM

3 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,603 POSTS

If the voltage is lower than 13.0 volts with the engine running, the alternator may need either the brushes replaced or a replacement alternator. Yes 14.8 is too high and will boil the water out of the battery. The alternator is self contained and does not communicate with any module in the car.

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Monday, June 23rd, 2008 AT 7:18 PM

ANDREW SCHLUKBIER

MEMBER
1 POST

I have a 3.8 with about 70k, and am also having problems starting it after the engine bay gets heat soaked. Did you ever figure out your problem?

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Sunday, May 28th, 2017 AT 6:09 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

You need to start a new question, and please be sure to list the engine size and mileage. This was an '85 model which would have, in my opinion, the world's second best generator. GM redesigned their generators for the '87 model year and tuned it into a real pile. It is not practical to try to repair them.

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Sunday, May 28th, 2017 AT 8:23 PM