1983 Chevy p20 diesel van 6.2 liter

DRUMMER11

MEMBER
1983 CHEVROLET TRUCK

Van miles( 200,000)
Charging System.
Ready to put in new alternator, however, I was told, by parts dealer to check if warning light bulb or fuse are out.
And that if so, the charge will not go back to battery.
question, only lights I see when ignition on are the yellow glow plug, and water infuel lights (this light is red and fades quickly.
Are there any other lights that would say either check engine, or warning that I am not seeing.
The lights that are going on are on left side of steering wheel, are there any other lights on right side of wheel, if so they are not going on and this could be the problem. If known please tell me where to check, thank you.

4 Replies

LOSONE

MECHANIC
1,616 POSTS

There are no lights that would affect an alternator. You might check the fuses, there is a gen fuse. Check the voltage across the battery when running. It should be 13.7 to 14.7 volts. Any more or less replace the Alternator.

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Friday, May 12th, 2006 AT 1:09 PM

DRUMMER11

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In regard to 83 chevy diesel van 6.2 ltr with two battery system my follow-up question is that I took alternator down to Autozone had it checked and their machine passed all three tests, I put it back in van and also got new battery to play it safe. Started van and Still did not get proper reading on gauge in van or volt-meter reads at 12 volts So now I'm really cofused so me and a buddy did the old take the positive cables two off and it ran just fine! I'm not sure where else to go except to fuse box which is crammed up so high under dash I can't barely get to it. My brother does not think it's an in-line fuse or corroded connections since it ran with cables off HELP! Thanks for such a quick reply. P.S, where's the gen fuse? Thanks

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Saturday, May 13th, 2006 AT 3:35 PM

LOSONE

MECHANIC
1,616 POSTS

I hate to say it but the onlything I use from the Zone is if I can pour it out of a bottle. Their test equipment is not up to par as well and their electrical products are at the bottom of the barrell.

Take the alternator off and take it too Napa and let them check it.

Your alternator has one red wire 10 gauge and one or two wires that excite the fleld. One of the small wires should have battery voltage, one should have ignition power and the red wire direct to the batteries. Don't worry about the fuses. Get a test light and make sure you have what you are supposed to on those wires and let me know.

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Saturday, May 13th, 2006 AT 7:03 PM

DRUMMER11

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3 POSTS

Thank you for youe quick reply, and your advice is well recieved, and will take out the alternator and start over. (I agree about about the zone).
Thanks again, will let you know.

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Saturday, May 13th, 2006 AT 7:38 PM