zane 10+ year member
Bored.....
Josh, you pretty well beat me to the few points that I was going to make about the alt and current draw.
Either way- I have to this day measured NO voltage spike at initial startup on any car that I have worked on. This includes Fords, Chevys, Dodge's, Honda's, Jeeps, International's, etc.
I have however measured significant voltage drop at startup in each of these vehicles.
Car Audio Addict- I still wonder where the h*ll you came up with a 100 volt spike on a 12 VDC system. Please show me where you got this information. Otherwise- I call this a bunch of poo and call the bluff.
I've worked on cars and in shops for **** near 8 years now and have never once even heard of 100 volts going through a car. Well, unless it flew off the road and crashed into an AC Power Transformer.
Blah blah blah.....
BTW- a voltage regulator is not powered by the electrical system, it controls it.
In basic theory- the main purpose of the regulator is to "calm down" the alternator; or keep the alt from running at its maximum potential and only running at its specified 14.4VDC. The regulator makes sure that to much power does not get into the electrical components of the car- thus making actual "spikes" really not that major.
Chiltons gives a very general idea, however, try a better source next time to learn your charging system basics.
I personally reccomend and use Mitchell On Demand.
http://www.mitchellrepair.com
Either way- I have to this day measured NO voltage spike at initial startup on any car that I have worked on. This includes Fords, Chevys, Dodge's, Honda's, Jeeps, International's, etc.
I have however measured significant voltage drop at startup in each of these vehicles.
Car Audio Addict- I still wonder where the h*ll you came up with a 100 volt spike on a 12 VDC system. Please show me where you got this information. Otherwise- I call this a bunch of poo and call the bluff.
I've worked on cars and in shops for **** near 8 years now and have never once even heard of 100 volts going through a car. Well, unless it flew off the road and crashed into an AC Power Transformer.
Blah blah blah.....
BTW- a voltage regulator is not powered by the electrical system, it controls it.
In basic theory- the main purpose of the regulator is to "calm down" the alternator; or keep the alt from running at its maximum potential and only running at its specified 14.4VDC. The regulator makes sure that to much power does not get into the electrical components of the car- thus making actual "spikes" really not that major.
Thats kind of where I figured that you were getting your information. I'll put it this way- I currently have a chiltons manual for every car I own, as well as manuals for engine design, rebuilding, performance, etc all sitting in front of me right now. I could easily run an ink pen dry circling all the errors within them.Originally Posted by CarAudioAddict:These (this post not the main post) are facts taken right out of "Chiltons Guide to Automotive Electrical Systems"
Price at approx $150, I don't think these guys are printing myths, or false info.
Chiltons gives a very general idea, however, try a better source next time to learn your charging system basics.
I personally reccomend and use Mitchell On Demand.
http://www.mitchellrepair.com