I am having trouble with Xena, my 122's charging system. It is equipped with the very common retrofit of a Delco alternator, which usually works just fine. It is relatively reasonably priced, and is available anywhere.

The charging system on the car has never been great shakes. indeed, when I bought the car, I replaced the alternator, and it didn't appear to make much of a difference. It maybe charges at 13.5 volts when the car is being driven on the highway with no accessories on; really not acceptable.

I am wondering if anyone with experience with 122's has found another alternator that does a better job of charging? Anyone else had issues with "weenie" charging rates on their 122?

I am tempted to take a step backward and put a generator back into the car if I cannot resolve this. Generators are pretty trouble free, and I have no problems with the one in my 544.

Another thing that is going on....I had to turn back while driving to a job the other day. I was on the freeway, and it was raining. The car started normally when I started her up. (It has always started, BTW.) On the way to my job, I thought the wipers were running a little more slow than they usually do. (they are NEVER that fast) I glanced down and saw the voltmeter was at around 11.25; not keeping up, according to the voltmeter. I turned off the wipers and accelerated, still not up to 12v. I was gaining on the car ahead, and I had to touch the brakes. The voltmeter needle bottomed out! Just fell as far as it would go, to below 10v, and just lay there. It popped back up to 11.25v when I took my foot off the brakes. I considered what had been done lately with the car. My horn was fixed. Tomorrow I will disconnect the horn wires and see what happens when i put the brakes on. Seems like something is shorting out, or any other ideas?

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Sensual Ascetic. Fountain pens, alternative photo processes, old house, old cars, good wine.