You are correct in your thinking...more amperage isn't going to help you at
idle or any other speed UNLESS your engine and electrical accessories
(battery, stereo, amps, lighting, winch, compressor, welder, etc.) requires
it. The PCM's in these trucks (and all other vehicles) are what control the
charging rate and are designed to keep the charging rate where it's required
and can lower/raise it when temperature, load, and electrical requirements
change. Yes, the PCM can cut the alternator down to a minimum charge rate
at idle (daytime, no electrical load) and raise it to maximum when the
battery is low or dying (dash lights will flicker - common sign).
Best bet: make sure you are using high quality ground wires and good
connections as well as on the power feed from the battery to the PDC (fuse
box under the hood) and from the PDC to the alternator. The factory 4-8
gauge wire is fine but won't handle any decent loads with all of the
aftermarket accessories. Change them out to a 1-2 gauge wire (preferred
"0"). I did and my charging rate is very stable at idle with the BM150
electric fan, HID's, A/C, and onboard PC running - original factory
alternator (136amp).
- Bernd
-----Original Message-----
From: Mallett, Donald B [mailto:Donald.Mallett@BNSF.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2007 12:54 AM
To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
Subject: RE: DML: RE: Alternator Upgrades
I've been reading this tread and many others about upgrading the alternator
on this and other forums. The main thought is the what will the "max"
amperage out put be. Where it seems the main reason for the upgrades come
from the output of the alternator at idle. The set up in my Dak that is the
reason why I've been looking to do the upgrade. The Viper fan and underdrive
crank pulley combined is a killer on my Daks battery at idle. It's the
amperage at idle I would like to know the rating of on the stock 136amp
alternator. I've asked two of the after market alternator companies what the
amperage rating is at idle on there alternators. One told me they would get
back to me....... Still waiting a year later! The other just blew off the
question with talking about the bearings. One salesman said they can wind
one that will produce higher amperage at idle.
Bottom line is where you (I) need the extra amperage, no one has given me a
answer that I asked for. Feel like I'm just rambling on here!? Anyway you
get what I mean.
- --
*------------------------------Y2KOTA------------------------------*
Don Mallett
Y2K QC 4.7L Auto SLT+ 4x2
http://www.y2kota.us
*-----I'm not late! It's that the rest of the world is early!!-----*
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