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Normal alternator output?
Posted: 23 May 2016, 13:05
by cookbot
I was curious as to what other peoples alternators are putting out? I stripped and repaired mine yesterday (the exciter line had broken inside) but even with a differing voltage reg(14.5v), it's still only about 13.5v. Although it's enough to get by on, I'd rather have it on the upper end of the scale. Mines a 1.6d, so whatever amps that one is supposed to make!
What does everyone else get? Think my next stop is checking the diodes on the rectifier if I get time to take it back out!
Re: Normal alternator output?
Posted: 23 May 2016, 15:21
by California Dreamin
Volts = Pressure
Amps = Quantity
13.5 volts at the B+ post? is a bit low...needs to be at least high 13's
Only thing it can be is the voltage regulator...mine is on the high side, 14.4 volts at the battery (unloaded)
One last test...disconnect any additional leisure batteries..you may have one of your leisures on its way out pulling down the results.
Martin
Re: Normal alternator output?
Posted: 23 May 2016, 16:01
by bigherb
It depends on when you check it. After just starting the engine with glow plugs still on and a high charge into the battery the voltage will be low, needs to be a fully charged battery with little load on the alternator for a base reading.
Re: Normal alternator output?
Posted: 23 May 2016, 19:19
by mbcamper
It also depends on where you measure it! If I measure the voltage at the alternator, I get a little over 14V. If you measure it at the battery it's up to 0.5V less.
Re: Normal alternator output?
Posted: 23 May 2016, 19:54
by CovKid
Not unusual. You get voltage drop in cables not to mention deterioration through age. Fit a fatter one.
Re: Normal alternator output?
Posted: 25 May 2016, 08:31
by cookbot
I should have said, the 13.5v is at the post, not on the battery terminal - that's at about 13.2v. Also, the glow plugs are hard wired to a dash switch (it was a petrol in it's former life and had a bodged diesel fit!) I might try another voltage reg as they're cheap, but after that, I'm going to wait for a new engine anyway.
Thanks, Paul