Is my alternator overcharging?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Cedarburg WI
Is my alternator overcharging?
Does anybody know what the charging range should be for the stock alternator? I was told that on the typical automobile it is 12.5 - 13.5 volts. While driving down the road or parked mine is charging at 14 volts. I had a battery boil over and leak acid everywhere a few days ago so, I replaced it with an Optima Red Top and I don't want it to have problems as well. Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 8
From: Cockeysville Maryland
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Daytona Jam 1 Veteran
I've had an optima Red Top for a couple of years now and consistently run at 14.1. I have never had electrical problems.
I have an ASP Underdrive pulley although I am sure that has no effect on the 14.1 number.
It sounds like your charging fine to me.
Hope this helps.
I have an ASP Underdrive pulley although I am sure that has no effect on the 14.1 number.
It sounds like your charging fine to me.
Hope this helps.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: RPV CA
Originally Posted by AnteVenom
I've had an optima Red Top for a couple of years now and consistently run at 14.1. I have never had electrical problems.
I have an ASP Underdrive pulley although I am sure that has no effect on the 14.1 number.
It sounds like your charging fine to me.
Hope this helps.
I have an ASP Underdrive pulley although I am sure that has no effect on the 14.1 number.
It sounds like your charging fine to me.
Hope this helps.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
There was a post on here earlier today with some good charging info.
Here is the link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1005346
Here is the link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1005346
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 154
From: The Arid Sunny Desert
You can also tell if your battery is bad by the DIC. After re-charging my battery, which was bad, the DIC kept reading all over the place while I was driving. Once I changed batteries it settled right in at between 13.8 and 14.2, while driving.
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