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#1
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A1 alternator, need advice
I have an 82 vw pickup with A/C. It has the stock 65 alternator still
in it. It has been giving me fits for almost a year now. It quit and was rivived with new brushes. I have had to rev it to 3K to get it to generate power. I think it is time to replace it. But... I also want good power. I run a stereo system with an amp rated at about 500 watts. This is around 40 amps when running a little under 13V. That doesnt sound so bad with a 65 amp alternator. But I can tell you that at present, my lights dim terribly when listening to music. Voltage drops enough to clip my radio unit. I am getting about 12.5V in warm weather. The voltage drops far below 11V with loud music playing. Is it possible that my alternator is actually not pushing 65 amps, and just needs to be replaced? Should I snag one of those newer 90 amp units and try to compress it into the engine compartment? I love welding and am not afraid of making brakets. If that is what I should do, what model of a VW should I get it from? (for reference at the parts store) Oh, and is it possible to make an alternator to put out around 15V? That would be great! Thanks guys |
#3
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Hey, Im glad you mentioned the idiot light. This is wierd. It is on
when I turn the key on. I then goes out when the engine starts. It then turns back on when I rev the hell out of it. The volt guage also jumps more than a volt. |
#4
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wait, that might not be right.. I cant remember exactly how the light
behaves. I think that it is normal. I am trying to of all the malfunctioning dash lights Ive dealt with in my truck. |
#5
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wait, that might not be right.. I cant remember exactly how the light
behaves. I think that it is normal. I am trying to of all the malfunctioning dash lights Ive dealt with in my truck. |
#6
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First thing to do is add another ground strap from the alternator to
the engine. The factory ground strap usually frays and fails. The alternator has a hard time charging without a good ground. The alternator is supposed to be mounted in rubber bushings so the ground strap is rather important. wrote: >Hey, Im glad you mentioned the idiot light. This is wierd. It is on >when I turn the key on. I then goes out when the engine starts. It >then turns back on when I rev the hell out of it. The volt guage also >jumps more than a volt. Jim B. |
#7
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The rubber bushing went to hell, so I jamed a big nut into its place.
This isnt that good of a ground, so I will try the ground strap from alternator to engine, and chassis. Does an old alternator still put out 65 amps? |
#8
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#9
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#10
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The rubber bushing went to hell, so I jamed a big nut into its place.
This isnt that good of a ground, so I will try the ground strap from alternator to engine, and chassis. Does an old alternator still put out 65 amps? |
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