Avalanche diode went on my alternator rectifier. Alternator was humming and a burning smell came from it. I prefer to put new parts in my original GM unit than get a rebuilt junk alt. So I changed the rectifier bridge, lubed the bearings and re-installed her. Maybe its working too good or It fried the regulator a little.
Going to New York yesterday I noticed the volts go up the 14 and hold there on the highway. Around town it drops to 13.5 or so Question is:
How many volts is your 96-99 charging on the Highway.

it'* your SSE right? Supercharged? If so, you are probably going to look for a 96-99 SSE/SSEi because I believe they have the upgraded 140amp IIRC only available on */C. If it does anything for you, my 95 Series II with a new alternator is running 13.6 on Highway, around 13.0-13.4 sitting. Of course when it first starts and is cold, it'* a bit higher (14.0 or so running/sitting)

Currently running: Autolite Pro Alternator
Optima Red-Top Battery

Its the 96 Vin K. 140 amp stocker.
I was afraid of that. I thought it dropped to around 13.6 after charging.
Funny thing is why would it drop to around 13.5 around town but hold 14 on the highway unless I have a cable or battery issue. If you swing you head over and look directly at the gage I guess its around 13.9 volts.
Maybe some more 96-99 vin K people can chime in here.

I belive I run right about 13.1v when driving, but I would have to look to be positive.

Mine'* acting funky sometimes. It'* almost alway just a hair past the red area once it'* warmed up but when it'* cold, it'* more on the other side, charging like mad. I'll check for you also. (i have a stock 140 amp too)

Thats where mine ran when the diode blew out. Just a hair past the red area. probably running off the battery.
Like I said now its a steady 14 volts on the highway.
Was searching some post and found this:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...tor+gage+guage

Jr's3800 post seems to say High 13'* to 14 v is normal.

Around town in stop and go traffic and at idle your motor (and alternator) is not spinning as fast as it would be going down the highway. 13.5 volts sounds fine, you could always measure the actual voltage with a multimeter to compare to the gauge on the cluster.

Ed

Thanks for the reassurance. You probably saved me from tearing it back down for nothing. Just remember it used to drop to 13 and change on the highway. I don't want to overcharge the battery but plan on putting my voltmeter on the terminals while running and warmed up to see if it may just be the calibration of the gage being off just a little.
I'll let you guys know what I find.