Subaru Electrical Problem -- Overcharging

[Vince Heuring]

I have an '87 Subaru XT-6. This afternoon it began overcharging -- at
speeds above 50 the voltage went up to 16-17 volts. It was only by dint
of putting on all the lights and other electrical equipment that I
could load it up so the voltage stayed at 12-14 volts. The battery had
oozed acid onto the top by the time I stopped the car.

Does this thing have a separate voltage regulator? Is it integral with
the alternator? What's the likely problem?

TIA

Vince

[Steve Parker]

Post by Vince Heuring
I have an '87 Subaru XT-6. This afternoon it began overcharging -- at
speeds above 50 the voltage went up to 16-17 volts. It was only by dint
of putting on all the lights and other electrical equipment that I
could load it up so the voltage stayed at 12-14 volts. The battery had
oozed acid onto the top by the time I stopped the car.
Does this thing have a separate voltage regulator? Is it integral with
the alternator? What's the likely problem?
TIA
Vince

Vince,
The voltage regulator is in the alternator I believe. The alternator
need replacing or at least a brush change.
Sparky