[s-cars] Weak alternator?

[jeff postupack]

Bill.
Noice to hear from you!.
before ya start swapping electrical, why don;t you try the voltmeter.
I find it hard to imagine how to associate a washer/wiper motor move
with drop in idle.. but the ole girl ain't what she used to be..

doubt it's the battery anyway, 'cause it starts the car is Chicago.. wintertime.
the running alternator (low load, lights off ) should maintain 14
volts minimum (might be +14.5 even) regardless of what you turn on..
place meter leads at the jump start post, place meter where you can
see it, then switch on heavy electric loads, sequentially (headlights,
low then high.. leave them on, wiper motors , rear defroster ( a low
value resistor) leave them on.

thru all that , you might see the meter dip (lower) briefly , but
should return fast and stay rock solid at 14 volts, the 'low' load
reading you did above.

If the voltage continues to 'sag lower' with each sequential load
added , then I might conclude, you'll never fix it and you should sell
it to me for tree-fiddy.plus whatever the hell else ya need not to
exceed five hunnerd..

I can send cash too-

Posto