<VV> Alternator Pulley Grip

[JVHRoberts at aol.com]

How hot is the alternator getting? The regulators in those things have a 
negative temperature/voltage coefficient. If it gets REALLY hot, it'll get fairly 
low. If you got a fried diode, etc., the alternator can overheat. 

In a message dated 5/20/2005 9:17:21 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
goofyroo at excite.com writes:
My alternator puts out decreasing voltage as the car warms up and electrical 
load increases (e.g., air conditioning).  Voltage gets so low that at higher 
RPM the engine cuts out.

I think it's the belt losing grip.  On Corvairs the belt only contacts about 
1/3 of the pulley.  (This is an internally regulated GM alternator on a 
modified bracket.  The pulley lines up just as the old generator pulley did.)

I've tried an automatic tensioner (Lon's excellent product) for better high 
RPM tension, but no improvement in voltage.  I'd be grateful for any 
suggestions.

Michael Smith
Dallas

P.S. One possibility I'm wondering about is the .060 plug gap and 
Flamethrower overloading the electrical system.  Opinions on that would be welcome, too.