Alt opinion (EA vs Powermaster)

[quins90lac 10+ year member]

So, I currently run an Excessive Amperage 200a alt. I've had no real problems with it at all for 2+ years now. The only issue is at idle in drive. It seems like it just shuts off and I have to keep on the pedal to keep voltage. Not a huge issue, as I'm not a douchesicle that beats at lights. Still annoying though. I just found a fucking SWEET deal on a 200a Powermaster almost BNIB. Would it be worth the coin to get this alt over what I already have? I hear good things about Powermaster, but I don't want to spend cash on something that won't fix the only issue I have with an otherwise properly working alt of the same rating. What do the collective CA brainz think?

Strange Im having the same problem with my EA. I'm currently contemplating rebuilding it with parts from this company.

High Output Alternators - Alternator Parts - Starter Parts - Repair kits

 

[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

does yours just shut off too? shits ghey //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif if i go any smaller on the pulley it'll be just the bolt.

 

[tommyk90 5,000+ posts]

It's hard to say if the powermaster will solve your idle problem.

I have an EA in my truck and I had to set my idle speed slightly higher to keep it on when I'm at stop lights. Not really a big deal, IMO.

I'd try to contact powermaster as see what the turn-on point is for their alts are and compare that to your idle RPM speed. That will give you a good indication if it's going to turn on at idle in your car.

This isn't really a defect with the alternator, just a side effect of wanting more output higher up in the RPM range. Though I think most manufacturers have gotten around that issue nowadays, though I can't directly comment on any specific brand.

 

[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

how the hell can i figure out the actual shaft RPM of the alt? that's what i need to be comparing...

 

[tommyk90 5,000+ posts]

how the hell can i figure out the actual shaft RPM of the alt? that's what i need to be comparing...

You need to measure the pulley sizes, divide those numbers, and multiply that by the engine RPM. (i think)

So say you have a 6" crank pulley and a 2" alternator pulley. 6/2=3, so multiply your engine RPM's by 3.

I'm guessing here but I'm pretty sure that's it.

EDIT: Yep, confirmed.

 

[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

(crank/alt) RPM

^^?

 

[tommyk90 5,000+ posts]

(crank/alt) RPM
^^?

Yes sir.

 

[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

who's da man?

 

[quins90lac 10+ year member]

hey tommy what if you have a serpentine belt. And hey Jco did you ever figure out you problem ?

 

[tommyk90 5,000+ posts]

hey tommy what if you have a serpentine belt. And hey Jco did you ever figure out you problem ?

Is your serpentine belt for the alternator driven off the crank pulley? Then the same rules apply.