I have a 1997 Honda Civic LX with the D16Y7 SOHC.
It has a JR SuperCharger, BOOST CONTROLLER, MSD IGNITION BOX, AND COIL, MSD WIRES, PLUGS, COLD AIR INTAKE, HEADERS, FULL EXHAUST, BBK ADJUSTABLE CAM GEARS, THROTTLE BODY, COILOVERS,WALBRO HIGH FLOW FUEL PUMP, AEM FUEL FILTER, AEM FUEL RAIL, FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, INJECTORS, BRAKES, SHORT SHIFTER, AND SIDE GAUGES (FUEL/AIR RATIO, BOOST, AND SHIFT LIGHT)
I just replaced the wiring harness and battery. I have an Alternator problem. I knew I had this problem before I bought the car.
I took it out for a drive, drove fine. Flipped on the head lights and my TAC, radio, dash lights, and gauge lights stop working and the battery light pops up. Turned them off and 30 seconds later the car dies. I let the battery self charge and I start it up and it runs for another 30 seconds and dies.
Alternator problem right? I know the previous owner and it has been through 3 Alternators that I know of. All of them are Napa 70A alternators.

Do I need a higher amp alternator? The car ran just perfect until this problem

My alternator is spinning. New wiring harness, and the alternator was new!! WTF??

 

Use a multimeter to measure voltage across the two battery posts with the warm engine idling and (1) all electrical accessories off versus (2) the high beams, A/C (max), and rear window defogger on.

Post voltages for (1) and (2).

 

Yeah I tried that.
My voltage dropped when I put on the Lights, and when I revved the engine up.
All signs point that I need a new alternator.
What if I do put a new one in? Am I going to have to replace it soon?
Because it seems like there is an issue somewhere. Do you know if I need a bigger alternator or no?

 

Don't those JRSC require different pulleys for the alternator? Might want to check into that.

 

How much does the voltage drop?

Any CEL code? Is 7.5A dash fuse 15 blown?

 

The fuse is good.
The voltage drops down to like 9 when I do all that. But it drops quick. I mean it will die in 5 seconds if I leave the lights on.

Thanks grumble, I might look into that. That could be it. Do you know of a PDF, or a site I could get it from. Bolt Patterns and Belt Diagrams? Because I tried JR.com already, nothing.

 

Your alternator is almost surely toast.

CEL codes?

 

why the MSD coil its not needed stock ignition can handle up to 600whp waste of money

 

Hmm, so a 70 Amp alternator will work?

A waste of money? Yeah I guess, I work at a gold mine. Besides it's nice to have. Performance and Resale.

 

the MSD coil doesn't give you any performance.

 

Over the years I've seen far too many dyno graphs proving that the stock plugs/wires/distributor are better than almost any aftermarket piece.

10 year old OEM sumitomo wires were better than the $150 MSD wires and several others.

 

not everyone will believe this because they don't want to for the reason they already spent the money so it has to be better

 

Thanks guys, that surely helped my issue