voltage... gaa what a mess..

when i start the car, its fine. when it gets hot though.. it drops down to like 10 volts or so. the only thing i can think is maybe the fan is goin out or something? maybe one of those fuseable links are open or whatever? i think its gotta be the fan, cause when it goes back to about 185 or 190, the volts pop back up to 13.

Is there a way to see how much current my fan is pulling? or just a simple thing to do? spin it by hand even?

every once in a while, its low from start up too. Ive replaced the alternator probably 3 times since ive owned it.

 

You could pull the plug on the fan when it is running and see if the voltage goes back up. If it is the fan, the fan bearing are probably shot and the fan motor has to draw a lot of current to keep the blades moving. However; It could also be that your alternator is sick and can't make enough power or that there is a poor connction between the battery and the alternator, or inadequate size wire for the load. Buy a cheapslide on current meter, usually $20 to $30, slide it over the alternator cable and see how much current it is putting out .

 

Check your starter wiring. I know this sounds stupid, but while I was working at various parts stores we would occasionaly get a starter that was drawing current while the engine was running. And we all know how sensitive these starters are to heat related issues.

Im probably just talking out my ***, but its worth a shot.

You could always put black tape over the guage......

 

You have 2 fans, 1 for AC, could the PO have relayed the 2nd to kick when the 1st wasn't dropping temp quick enough? I'm just rambling...the other 2 suggestions are better...