Alternators;Testing ccessory Draw

From: Kyle Kozubal (grndak4x4@home.com)
Date: Wed Aug 23 2000 - 16:15:42 EDT


What is the best way to measure how well the alternator is doing with
various load and amp draw?
Aaron, I think you were going to do this with the 75amp alt and also with
the 120 amp alt. How doyou plan on doing the measuring? I did some quick
measuring, just not sure how efffective it is in determing how well the alt
is keeping up with the load. I did my test just by taking readings off of
the battery, if there is a more accurate or better way to get readings let
me know please. Anyways, here is what I found.

Test Mule: 1993 Dodge Dakota 4x4 V6
Mileage: 127,400 miles
Alternator(stock); Nippondenso 75 amp
Battery:; Champion 4x4 1050 CA-3 years old

First I used a normal Radio Shack 'hand meter':
Truck Off: 12.5 Volts
Idle: 13.5 Volts
Idle with Stock Headlights, CB and Radio On: 13.5 Volts
Idle with the Above on and also with the 55watt Hella Floods On: 13.5
Idle with the Above on and also with Hella 55Watt Fogs On: 13.22

Secondly I used a "Amp Champ" Digital 6/12 Volt Battery Tester:
Truck Off: 12.45 volts
Idle: 13.45 volts
Idle with ALL Accessories On: 12.65

What does this mean? What should the numbers be? I still think a 120amp
alternator is in my near future. Any input???
Kyle
93 Dakota 4x4 V6



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