Charging system
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Charging system
Posted: August 07 2007 02:09 PM
 
Brian Burke (aka brian41chevy) [ View ] [ brian41chevy@aol.com ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ]
New Lenox, Illinois
(815) 485-2989
 There is a fine line between hobby and mental illness
 
Can anyone tell me how much of a drop off you should have on your volt meter when you are running accessories? I have noticed lately that my volt guage is showing in the range of 10 volts when I have the ac, radio and lights on. The headlights don't get dim or thing like that. I don't know how many amps my alternator is putting out but it is orignal equipment and 32 years old. If I replace it what amp size should i go up to?.
 
 
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Posted by REBORN55  -  08/07/2007 02:47 PM
I would first check the voltage at the battery and coming out of the alternator with the engine running and accessories on. Rule of thumb for me on my ambulances is .5-.75 voltage drop with accessories on at 1200 rpms. You may have a weak voltage gauge. I usually try to run my volt gauge directly to the battery to see what is being charged at. I wouldn't want it to drop below 13.8 if possible
Ken [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] De soto, Illinois
 
Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  08/07/2007 03:44 PM
you can listen to reborn. he keeps abused stuff going down the road.
dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003
 
Posted by JoeP  -  08/07/2007 04:28 PM
As reborn said if the voltage is below 13 that's not good. I would have the alternator checked, could have a bad diode. Don't want to start anything but alternators most likely fail before gauges.
Joe [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Somerset, New Jersey
 
Posted by dixie  -  08/07/2007 05:03 PM
guess i'm different i keep going as long as it stays around 12 v under load.
jim grace [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dade city, Florida Charter Member since January 2006
 
Posted by 31tudor  -  08/07/2007 05:10 PM
A bad battery can also cause such a condition. That's an easy one to know, just drive to your local auto parts store and have them check it while it's still in the car... and it's usually free!
Eric Hibbs [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] St. George, Utah Charter Member since January 2002
 
Posted by brian41chevy  -  08/07/2007 06:23 PM
Battery is good. The only time it drops down like that is when everything is running, which has been a lot lately with as hot as it's been up here. Like I said the alternator is 32 years old, might be time to upgrade. What is a good amp rating to go up to?
There is a fine line between hobby and mental illness [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] New Lenox, Illinois Charter Member since November 2004
 
Posted by bigdude  -  08/07/2007 07:30 PM
80 amp should work good for you you prob dont need a 100
resident know it all [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Three Rivers, Michigan Charter Member since January 2004
 
Posted by hotrodgene  -  08/07/2007 07:42 PM
check output at alt.and depending on what alt you have normal output with no load 13.8-14.2.I have a 100 amp.GM and with lights-radio-A/C -cooling fan for radiator running at appro.40mph I am still showing 12-13 volts.With no acces.on and driving same speed my gauge stays around 14 volts.Never a battery problem.
Gene Riffe [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg, Florida
 
Posted by REBORN55  -  08/07/2007 09:25 PM
80-100 amp alternator would probably work fine. Most alternators only put out about 80% of the rated output when loaded. Fully charged battery only needs about 2-3 amps to keep it fully charged. Just make sure your battery terminals are good, tight and clean and the belt is tight enough and you should be fine. Would still hook volt gauge directly to the battery is it is accessible. Just my opinion
Ken [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] De soto, Illinois
 
Posted by robymarks  -  08/07/2007 11:21 PM
I assume this is a built in voltage regulator. 13.6014.2 across the battery terminals. Make sure it is kicking back up under the load, Doesn't sound like it is. Belt tight? Pulley Good? Good Luck!
robymarks [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Houston, Texas Charter Member since October 2005
 
Posted by brian41chevy  -  08/08/2007 10:02 AM
Thanks for the info Greg and Ken. Shine are you telling me I can't get 33 years out of this alternator?
There is a fine line between hobby and mental illness [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] New Lenox, Illinois Charter Member since November 2004
 
Posted by Paradise Road Rod & Custom  -  08/08/2007 11:23 AM
13.8 to 14.2 is acceptable charing range no matter what the load. Any thing less and your not charging the battery.

Tim
Paradise Road Rod & Custom [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Indianapolis, (unknown state)
 
Posted by indianacookie  -  08/08/2007 01:21 PM
Just to let you know Advanced Auto had Powermasters on sale just before the Nats.I buy from Yogi's some and they beat Yog's price.
indianacookie [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] LaPorte, Indiana
 
Posted by farmer  -  08/08/2007 10:59 PM
Late 70's early 80's chevy pickup with the towing pkg (heavy duty) is rated at 100 amps and available at your favorite parts place. We use this one and will handle all the acc and the trailer lights and brakes.


You could buy a spare and go for 33.
farmer [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Carthage, Illinois
 
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