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franken · 09-21-2016, 10:41 PM

You're pretty much right on the current needs, but be careful with the output voltage. Early systems liked ~14.5V but that went up and up as vehicles used more Watts. The Voltmeter on my late model reads ~18V.
People look at current output ratings of alternators, but that's max output. A source only provides waht's needed, so actual output is lower. Liken this to water flow--if you don't use water, no flow.
Voltage is pressure, like water pressure. Even if you don't use the water, the pressure is always there.
Watch the battery Voltage...

09-21-2016, 10:41 PM	#14
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,091	Re: Educate me on Alternators You're pretty much right on the current needs, but be careful with the output voltage. Early systems liked ~14.5V but that went up and up as vehicles used more Watts. The Voltmeter on my late model reads ~18V. People look at current output ratings of alternators, but that's max output. A source only provides waht's needed, so actual output is lower. Liken this to water flow--if you don't use water, no flow. Voltage is pressure, like water pressure. Even if you don't use the water, the pressure is always there. Watch the battery Voltage...