Is 18 volts too high for alternator?
Premium Member. 18 volts is a bit high. It is possible that your rebuilt alternator has a faulty regulator.
How many volts should a one wire alternator put out?
A good alternator should maintain battery voltage between 13.9 and 14.8 volts (14.2 is optimum).
Why is my alternator putting out 15 volts?
It is not uncommon for alternators to put out a higher voltage when cold than at operating temp. Re: Smaller/Larger Pulley. The faster you spin the alternator the greater the alternator efficiency and the cooler the alternator will run. Delphi CS144 alternators are rated to a continuous 14,000 rpms.
How many volts can an alternator produce?
A fully charged battery should read over 12.6 volts. The actual output voltage produced by the alternator will typically be about 1-1/2 to 2 volts higher than battery voltage. At idle, most charging systems will produce 13.8 to 14.3 volts with no lights or accessories on.
How do I know if my one wire alternator is bad?
7 Signs of a Failing Alternator
- Dim or Overly Bright Lights.
- Dead Battery.
- Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories.
- Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling.
- Growling or Whining Noises.
- Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires.
- Battery Warning Light on Dash.
Do you need a voltage regulator with a one wire alternator?
YES, especially when using a one-wire alternator. Changing the pulley ratio of the alternator by slowing it down will generally keep the one wire regulator from cutting on . This may also produce a low voltage problem at engine idle speed, depending on the amount of reduction.
Can I drive with an overcharging alternator?
Overcharging causes excessive heat to be produced in batteries which can cause explosion, melt-down, boiling away of acid, premature corrosion of electode plates within the battery cause premature failure of the battery, the elctrodes can warp inside the battery and short out the battery and take all the electronics in …
What causes an alternator to over charge at 18 volts?
You are correct, 18 volts is much too high, but an alternator can not cause over-charging unless it is assembled incorrectly with one of the brushes grounded through its mounting screw. Over-charging is caused by the voltage regulator driving the alternator too hard. There’s two possibilities for this condition.
Is it safe to turn on heated windshield alternator?
But don’t turn on the heated windshield if your vehicle has one; alternator voltage may increase to over 100V and this can be unsafe. Take a voltage reading across the battery posts. Your reading should be at least 0.5 volts above base voltage for your system to keep up with electrical system demands.
How to know if your alternator is working properly?
1 Check the drive belt or serpentine belt. Look for signs of wear or damage like cuts, shiny spots or missing chunks under the belt. 2 Also, check the belt tensioner for proper operation and damage. It should rotate freely. 3 Make sure the alternator is properly mounted. 4 Check the alternator for noises.
Is the alternator at the heart of the charging system?
Dan Ferrell writes about do-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. He has certifications in automation and control technology. The alternator is at the heart of the charging system of your vehicle. Alternator problems and charging system problems can affect your vehicle in different ways.