spud

First this is on my F250(yes, I know its a ford, No I wont get rid of it, Just guaranteed I won't get a Mustang)How much voltage should my alternator be putting out? At idle it is making 14.62 volts, when the rpm are rasied, the voltage drops to 14.60. Is this right?
Thanks
John

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82 Firebird,355,Cam 224/234, .466/.488,TH350 Tranny,650 HolleyDP,Hooker Headers(I.E. POS) Manual steering
Best 8th et 8.62@80mph.

jrr

Alternators all work on the same principles, regardless of the brand. 14+ volts is just fine! It's normal for the alternator voltage regulator to put out a higher voltage in order to put a charge on the battery and have reserve power available for the various accessories.

A difference of 20mV is nothing to worry about. The ignition system is drawing more juice from the alternator as the RPMs increase and the voltage regulator is holding it's output at 14+ volts. Alternator DC output is somewhat rippled, so that might also be a cause of the 20mV difference as well.

Only when the engine is stopped and the battery is just sitting there, should you see 12 volts.

[This message has been edited by jrr (edited November 22, 2000).]

JP84Z430HP

Typical alternator output specs. are 13-15 volts. I'd say you're doing fine unless you are having other troubles.

jrr,
Be careful, battery voltage should actually be 12.6 after any surface charge is gone (let it sit for a while). Some people could get confused and thinking they have a problem if they don't know this! Usually a little lower, like more around 12.0 is usually fine, though, just not too much lower!

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Working on:
'84 Z28 LG4 305
Added dual elec fans.
145 MPH IROC Speedo
Building 430 HP 350
using primarily GMPP parts.
Block is in shop!

Awaiting results from all 8 ASE tests.

Starting to look like the Kicker poster child!

jrr

JP84Z430HP,

Yep, you're right. Thanx!

spud

Thanks for the help.
John