Uhoh from the charging system

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

This morning I noticed a new noise coming from my engine compartment, GREAT. I went to the movies with my friends and didnt think much of it, I would check it once I get home. Im almost home when I releize that my interior clock and signal lights are pretty dim. FIrst thing I thought was the alternator. I get home, pull out my DMM and sure enough, the car is sitting at 11 volts at idle //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

Im guessing im going to need a new alternator, but I just want to make sure. My dad said something about the bearing but he was too dilusional and went to sleep right after lol....I guess I waited to long to do the big three //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crying.gif.ec0ebefe590df0251476573bc49e46d8.gif

My alternator is rated at 125 amps. Both of my amps pull a combined 110 amps ish at full tilt. Was my alternator on its way anyway? Or was it too much? Will the Big three be enough? I have a redtop under the hood already, I dont have the money for a HO alty....I barely have enough for a replacement //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif Thanks guys...

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[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

With a concern that I may sound like a broken record as I have posted this many, many times before here goes anyway...

The Big 3 will in no way increase the capacity of your charging system. It merely provides a more efficient path for the existing current to flow upon.

If your alternator is a 125a unit and your system draws 110a then that leaves only 15 amperes of current to provide the needs of everything else electrical in your ride. That's a pretty slim margin, I would say...

 

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

With a concern that I may sound like a broken record as I have posted this many, many times before here goes anyway...

The Big 3 will in no way increase the capacity of your charging system. It merely provides a more efficient path for the existing current to flow upon.

If your alternator is a 125a unit and your system draws 110a then that leaves only 15 amperes of current to provide the needs of everything else electrical in your ride. That's a pretty slim margin, I would say...

Well I know that, Im lucky to have somwhere along the lines of 70 amps at idle after factoring all the Accesories in. Im just asking, will the Big three be enough for the new alty to SURVIVE.

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

If your existing current necessities are more than a 125 ampere alternator can sufficiently provide then upgrading the Big 3 will not prevent future alternator failure, no.

 

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

If your existing current necessities are more than a 125 ampere alternator can sufficiently provide then upgrading the Big 3 will not prevent future alternator failure, no.

Well that sure is a bummer lol...SO theres absolutely nothing else I can do....Besides a HO alty....

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

If getting your current alternator rewound to a higher output is an option for you (it isn't with all alternators but it is with some) then most likely that would be a considerably cheaper route than buying a HO unit rather than having the current one rewound.

I had the one in my car rewound from the stock 75a capacity to 85a @ idle / 165a @ anything over 1500RPM and parts, labor, tax and all it only hit me for $150.

 

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

^^^ORLY???? Hmmm sounds very temting! Thanks for that info I appriciate it lol... I need to start searching locally then....unless you know of any places online...links?

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

^^^ORLY???? Hmmm sounds very temting! Thanks for that info I appriciate it lol... I need to start searching locally then....unless you know of any places online...links?

I wouldn't have a clue where to look online, friend.The absolute best shop here locally for automotive alternator/starter work happens to be owned by a good friend of mine and his dad. That's where I got mine done. The actual charge (and it was a 'buddy rate' truth be told) was only $130. Because he had it done in less than 45 minutes including removing the alty from my car, getting it rebuilt, and then reinstalling it (Robert's been doing this kindof thing 6 days a week for over 25 years now so I reckon he's somewhat gotten the hang of it) I slipped him an extra $20 for taking such good care of me.

 

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

Im going to give a few places a call tomorrow.....hopefully My car will make it to the shop //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif I really dont have the time to take the alternator out myself. I can do it, but if someone else will do it for me, all the better //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif Thanks for the help...

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Good luck, fella. If I have been any help at all then you're welcome. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif