Any 12v alternator putting out more than 15 volts has some sort of problem. Granted, you
might see it run up to 15v right after starting, but only for a few seconds. Usually, anytime I've ever seen a GM/Delco alternator putting out that much (17v) voltage, the regulator has taken a dump. I have also seen NEW regulators do that, so new don't mean good.
That much constant voltage input to the battery will damage the battery, as well as possibly the computer circuitry...17v is also getting up there to the point of popping light bulbs. I would be very leery of running it much more without correcting the problem.
Are you certain the wires are back in the correct location on the two wire connection? If you are, then I'd have to say you have a bad regulator, OR...something in the charging circuit is shorting out, and is requiring the voltage to stay that high. Even so, it shouldn't be 17v.
If something
was shorting out to cause it, you should be able to follow the smoke to the source...
A 12v battery will always show 12-12.5 volts at rest, even if you have been putting 17 volts to it, engine running. Charging it with more voltage will not raise the rating of the battery...it's still a 12v batt.
High output alternators simply provide more amperage...not voltage.
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Joel Adams
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