Electrical issue over charging

[KirkV]

It hardly reads any charge at idle but when I put that much voltage to a brand new fully charged battery something is wrong. I charged it with my charger to the max before the install, and putting 16+ volts to the battery is wrong.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by KirkV

It hardly reads any charge at idle but when I put that much voltage to a brand new fully charged battery something is wrong. I charged it with my charger to the max before the install, and putting 16+ volts to the battery is wrong.

Your ammeter may well be showing little charge at idle if it's a 1G alternator as they don't put out much at idle. You're right, though, that 16+ volts is high.

Remember, the ammeter is showing you the total output of the alternator - not just what's going to the battery. That includes all electrical equipment.

[strictlypersonl]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Remember, the ammeter is showing you the total output of the alternator - not just what's going to the battery. That includes all electrical equipment.

Normally the ammeter is wired to indicate the NET current flow into the battery, not just the amount coming out of the alternator. SPF cars might be different, but I doubt it.

[HighPlainsDrifter]

ammeters were used on cars with generators with no need for a high output as the power needs were minimal. when high output alternators came about you do not use them and have a voltmeter instead. A overheating condition can happen as all the power(amps) pass through 1 little wire and ammeter and will burn down your car. Not a good idea to still use an ammeter. You also need a fuse link out of the alternator to protect the car wiring.
amps used in old car; heater fan-5 amps; lights-6 amps; ignition 4 amps; radio-1 amp; total 16 amps.
amps used in modern car; heater/ac-10 amps; rad fan -25 amps; lights -6 amps; ignition- 8 amps; ecu- 5 amps; abs ecu-5 amps; radio/stereo -10 amps; power windows-10 amps; power seat- 6 amps; fuel pump 6 amps; wipers 4 amps; total 95 amps.*so a 100 amp 1 wire alternator would be needed.
Perry

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by HighPlainsDrifter

*so a 100 amp 1 wire alternator would be needed.
Perry

Correction: A 100 amp alternator may be needed, but I'll never go with a 1-wire. Here's why:

"For most applications, the advantages of a THREE-WIRE alternator will far outweigh the little time saved with a ONE-WIRE installation."

"Both types have the voltage regulator in the alternator, but there are important differences between the ONE-WIRE and THREE-WIRE systems."

"The THREE-WIRE advantages are even more important in recent years – more powerful alternators are often installed on Hot Rods and they must support a more power hungry electrical system."

More: Catalog Note: This is a 3 page article - don't skip pages 2 & 3.


I'm very happy with my 130 amp, 3-wire Ford 3G alternator and see no reason to downgrade.