Voltage should be no higher than 14 anywhere in the system. Measuring the
voltage in different points is useful depending on what you are trying to
find out. This is the technique that troubleshooters use to nail down a
problem. A voltage measurement at the light itself would be a good place to
start. If it's normal here, you can assume that the rest of the system is
OK. If it is high, than there can be several possible causes, including the
regulator (in the alternator, in this case). As the inclusion of a properly
functioning storage battery is necessary to obtain a proper "load" on the
alternator, sometimes a high overall voltage in the circuit can be caused by
a battery that has sulfated to the point where it's internal resistance has
risen to where it will no longer place a proper load on the regulator
circuit. This same condition can be caused by anything that raises the
resistances of the battery cables / ground connections, such as looseness or
corrosion.
Hope this helps.
Chuck
'83 Westy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew" <poll7356@UIDAHO.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 12:55 PM
Subject: alternator output voltage?

> what should the voltage coming off the alterator be? Is is legitimate to
> measure this at the alternator or should i measure it at the battery?
>
> <WHY? i burned up 2 headlights within a week of each other. At 15$ a
> bulb i need to see if it was a fluke too much juice out of the
> alternator.  Should i meaure this voltage at the light instead (they are
> relayed)>
>
> thanks
> matthew
> 86 syncro westy