Overcharging

[chilitoy]

I noticed that my brand new optima red top was leaking a little out of the neg. side vent the other day, so I went to the Autozone where I bought it and had everything checked. They said it was'nt charging enough, so I bought a new alternator. They also gave me a new battery, but that didn't really explain why the batt. was venting. I installed the new alternator, which is now a p.i.t.a. with the newer ifs p.s. box for the histeer. Same thing was happening, so I put in a new voltage regulator. The problem is still happening. I checked the voltage at the connections and it pegged out the meter on my battery and charge checker. Also, can't find my multimeter right now. Bad voltage regulator or alternator? I don't really have much experience with electrical, so any advice is appreciated.

[chilitoy]

Found multimeter and checked volts across battery and charging system at 18.42 volts. Also checked all ground connections. ?

[RedRunnertc]

Yeah, that's kinda high!

You still have the external regulator, or built into the alternator?

[00regcab]

Pretty sure it's built in troy, but not 100% sure.

Its not uncommon that vato-zone sells faulty alternators that are defective from the box, before install. Take it back, and try another one. It should be covered with their 'lifetime warranty'.

[ike]

nate, voltage regulators did not go internal on toyotas until about 85.

[chilitoy]

It is an external regulator. I didn't have time to check at the alternator or regulator yesterday, but will do today. Both are new.

[spindleshanks]

And AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries won't tolerate overcharging.
There are battery chargers specifically designed to charge AGM batteries.
That said, I'm not surprised it's leaking with such a dramatic overcharge.

[chilitoy]

I got the problem resolved last week, just forgot to post. The "engine" fuse(15 amp) in the fuse block was blown. Don't know why this fuse causes this effect, but so far everything is normal. When I did all the checking the manual suggested, I assumed they were implying if the truck wouldn't run, so I didn't even look at it. I figured it was the voltage regulator, went and got another.:xsmash So anyways I have a brand new voltage regulator if anybody needs it.