why can't i get over 14 volts

14.4 volts is incorrect. Charging systems charge 13.8 or so normally at the rated amperage draw. Also volts is a small part of the equation, the amperage at rated volts is the big thing. 13.6 is fine. It's a 12v system so charging over that should be just fine. 14 volts should be the most you see if everything is running right. If batteries are low you may see higher for a short period when voltage regulator is seeing a large amperage draw. The voltmeter in the cab is just reading the voltage to the cab wiring and with a lot of lights on it will usually be less at the gauge.

 

13.6 isn't a bad number if your batteries are fully charged. Does the voltage drop even more when you turn on more electrical accessories? I ran across a truck like that once where each time something electrical was switched on, the voltage would progressively drop. Turned out to be a loose frame ground. If it maintains 13.3 volts with everything on, I would't worry too much about it.

 

What was it charging at before you replaced the alternator and batteries?

 

international

 

my employer wants at least 13 v showing or it's shop time. I haven't ever seen it at 13. thats low to me.. 13 .8 to 14.2 is the norm depending on the make

 

Your regulator is working what is the problem? Who told you any different.

 

I had same prob. wire not making good connection. what told me something was wrong was when I put turn signal on & watched the volt gauge, the needle would swing 1 full volt back & forth. I knew then something was loose somewhere.

 

My truck is a 97 pete with a 12.7 detroit and i have 3 batterys. During the day mine runs around 13.8-14v on the gauge and at night with everything on im at 13.6 or so. MIne used to run mid to low 12's at night but i found a ground wire wasnt hooked up on started and once i reconnected that wire voltage came right back up to where it should be. So id say your within spec.

 

I'd be happy with that. Any more and you'd be cooking your batteries and making them short lived. 14.7 used to be the highest you ever wanted to see. Anything more and you could be doing damage.