Re: Alternator Woes

[eyvind.spangen@c2i.net (Eyvind Spangen)]

On Thu, 17 Dec 1998 11:05:41 -0600, you wrote:

>Mark Pollan wrote:
>
>> At that time I tested the
>> alternator output both at the jump post and at the battery.  Strong
>> 13.7 volts.
>
> 13.7 volts? I was out checking to see how much juice my headlights were
>getting the other day, and just for kicks, while the engine was running,
>I checked the battery voltage, I got 14.4 volts. I'm trying to remember
>if that is acceptable or too high?
>
>And if that is acceptable and I relay my headlights, running 14.4V to
>bulbs designed for 13.5 (or so) will shorten the live expectancy of the
>bulb, won't it? I think I would be better off to add a resistor into the
>circuit to cut the voltage down by 1 volt to 13.4V.
>
>Comments, opinions?

The perfect voltage when engine is running is 14.4 volts. Anything
lower are too low, higher is not good either. Remember that very few
cars can power the headlights at idle without using power from the
battery.. If the voltage is low, the battery is more likely to get
empty.

ES