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-   -   Alternator voltage (https://www.scoobynet.com/lighting-and-other-electrical-14/1066997-alternator-voltage.html)

Nick_Cat 17 October 2022 12:19 PM

Alternator voltage
 
GC8 MY2000 UK turbo.

I've noticed that the dash clock flickers slightly and also the front sidelights (ebay white LED's). Suspecting that the alternator might be faulty I checked the battery with my multimeter:
12.2 v when not running, rising to 14.4 when running with headlights on and revving the engine to 2000 rpm. The reading when not running is too low but does the latter indicate that the alternator is ok?

Thanks


Don Clark 17 October 2022 01:43 PM

14.4v output from the alternator given the charge held by your battery seems fine.

You can use this as a guide to the determine the state of charge in the battery
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...af215a4b97.png

Don Clark 17 October 2022 07:28 PM

Generator info from a "Classic" Model Workshop Manual........

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...64e296a744.png

Nick_Cat 17 October 2022 07:59 PM

Thanks Don, appreciate it.

Delta5 13 April 2023 08:01 PM

The regulated voltage varies between 14.1 & 14.8.

Please explain to me how the regulator knows: -
1) how to regulated 14.8V
2) how to regulate at 14.1V

Some background information.
I think 14.8V will boil a sealed lead acid battery.

Our 2000, 2.5 the float on our Subaru's battery Yuasa battery
has sunk almost out of sight.
Yuasa tell me I can't get the top off to top it up.

My certificated meter showed 12.5V across the posts before starting
14.8V immediately after starting with the engine ticking over..
Around 26 Amp along the battery cable after say 10 mins.

After a run, the meter showed 14V with the engine ticking over.

Could 14.8V be a correct charge voltage for a flattish, suspect
battery on start-up please?

:

Don Clark 14 April 2023 09:04 AM


Originally Posted by Delta5 (Post 12130870)
The regulated voltage varies between 14.1 & 14.8.

Please explain to me how the regulator knows: -
1) how to regulated 14.8V
2) how to regulate at 14.1V

The alternator monitors the battery's output load and adjusts accordingly both voltage and current. (known as a smart charger)

Some background information.
I think 14.8V will boil a sealed lead acid battery.
Only if the alternator current output is not regulated correctly.


Our 2000, 2.5 the float on our Subaru's battery Yuasa battery
has sunk almost out of sight.
Yuasa tell me I can't get the top off to top it up.
Will be a sealed for life battery.
When you say "the float on our Subaru's Yuasa battery has sunk almost out of sight".
Are you refering to the green/black telltale? green for good; black for recharge?

My certificated meter showed 12.5V across the posts before starting
14.8V immediately after starting with the engine ticking over..
Around 26 Amp along the battery cable after say 10 mins.
After a run, the meter showed 14V with the engine ticking over.
:
A reading of 12.5v is about 90% charged depending upon temperature at the time and if the battery has lost it surface charge from previous charging.
It's CCA reading would tell you it's condition and whether it is suffering from sulphation.

To charge a 6 cell 12v battery you need to supply a voltage greater than 12v usually somewhere starting between 2.35v/cell (14.1v) and 2.45v/cell (14.7v) depending upon the charging method and the battery's temperature.
https://www.power-sonic.com/blog/how...-acid-battery/
The more crucial question is what is the battery's capacity/condition when charged or it's CCA (cold cranking amps) value.
The typical Yuasa battery for a Subaru is the Silver YBX5005 12v 65Ah with a CCA of 580A when new and fully charged.

So in answer to

Could 14.8V be a correct charge voltage for a flattish, suspect
battery on start-up please?
My answer would be yes and to get yourself something like a Ctek battery charger and conditioner.

Delta5 16 May 2023 10:28 AM

Thanks Don, you really know your stuff don't you.
Do you train auto electricians by any chance?

I am very sorry I'm so late responding.



JdmSti2006 16 May 2023 10:35 AM

Google assistant and Alexa will give You the same answers

Delta5 16 May 2023 02:11 PM

jdmSti2006;12131597]Google assistant and Alexa will give You the same answers

Thanks Jd.

How do I change the background around your words,
the words that are in violet above please

Delta5 18 May 2023 08:58 AM


Originally Posted by Don Clark (Post 12130886)
The alternator monitors the battery's output load and adjusts accordingly both voltage and current. (known as a smart charger)

Only if the alternator current output is not regulated correctly.


Will be a sealed for life battery.
When you say "the float on our Subaru's Yuasa battery has sunk almost out of sight".
Are you refering to the green/black telltale? green for good; black for recharge?

A reading of 12.5v is about 90% charged depending upon temperature at the time and if the battery has lost it surface charge from previous charging.
It's CCA reading would tell you it's condition and whether it is suffering from sulphation.

To charge a 6 cell 12v battery you need to supply a voltage greater than 12v usually somewhere starting between 2.35v/cell (14.1v) and 2.45v/cell (14.7v) depending upon the charging method and the battery's temperature.
https://www.power-sonic.com/blog/how...-acid-battery/
The more crucial question is what is the battery's capacity/condition when charged or it's CCA (cold cranking amps) value.
The typical Yuasa battery for a Subaru is the Silver YBX5005 12v 65Ah with a CCA of 580A when new and fully charged.

So in answer to

My answer would be yes and to get yourself something like a Ctek battery charger and conditioner.

I have an MXS 5.0 Don.
And an external connector.
But I have to admit to being too dumb
to disconnect before I drive off

The alternator in question is a simple 3 wire one.
Are there Smart 3 wire alternators please?


Don Clark 18 May 2023 05:33 PM


Originally Posted by Delta5 (Post 12131654)
I have an MXS 5.0 Don.
And an external connector.
But I have to admit to being too dumb
to disconnect before I drive off

The alternator in question is a simple 3 wire one.
Are there Smart 3 wire alternators please?

What is it you are trying to say???
You have to switch off and disconnect the Ctek before driving off, why would you leave it attached??
What alternator /car model are we talking about??


Delta5 18 May 2023 06:32 PM


Originally Posted by Don Clark (Post 12131666)
What is it you are trying to say???
You have to switch off and disconnect the Ctek before driving off, why would you leave it attached?? Stupidity Don.
What alternator /car model are we talking about??

2000 2.5 Legacy..

Don Clark 19 May 2023 03:57 PM

What do you mean by "3 wire" - One on the stud and two in the plug socket? or 3 in the plug socket (total 4 wire)??

If it's 2 in the plug (feedback and charge circuit light on dash), then it's just voltage regulated.

If it's three in the plug socket (feedback, charge circuit light on dash and ECU link) then it's a smart alternator regulating both voltage and load.


Delta5 19 May 2023 05:09 PM


Originally Posted by Don Clark (Post 12131680)
What do you mean by "3 wire" - One on the stud and two in the plug socket? or 3 in the plug socket (total 4 wire)??

If it's 2 in the plug (feedback and charge circuit light on dash), then it's just voltage regulated.

If it's three in the plug socket (feedback, charge circuit light on dash and ECU link) then it's a smart alternator regulating both voltage and load.


Thanks Don.

I mean 2 in the plug (feedback and charge circuit light on dash), and 1 under the nut.

If it's a dumb alternator, how come I get
14.8v at start-up, which falls to 14v after a run please?

I can't remember meeting a dumb alternator
that varies the charging voltage.

Don Clark 19 May 2023 09:20 PM

https://smartercharger.com/blogs/new...ernator-enough
https://www.autoelectro.co.uk/alternators

Delta5 20 May 2023 08:39 AM

Thanks Don, Interesting.

Delta5 21 May 2023 06:11 PM


Originally Posted by Nick_Cat (Post 12125963)
GC8 MY2000 UK turbo.

I've noticed that the dash clock flickers slightly and also the front sidelights (ebay white LED's). Suspecting that the alternator might be faulty I checked the battery with my multimeter:
12.2 v when not running, rising to 14.4 when running with headlights on and revving the engine to 2000 rpm. The reading when not running is too low but does the latter indicate that the alternator is ok?

Thanks

Have you got a clamp ammeter Nick?
How many volts at tick over with headlights on.
How many volts at your battery in the morning
before you start please?
How long since you last replaced & then tighten
your fan belt please?

How old is your car please?

Don Clark 22 May 2023 07:44 AM

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/A...Regulator-Test

Delta5 22 May 2023 08:02 AM


Originally Posted by Don Clark (Post 12131759)

My word, that a very nice reference Don, thanks.

There seems to be a lot of white space.
Are there a lot of pictures + missing please?



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