Alternators: Too Much Of A Charge Possible?
 

Is there a such thing as too much power when it comes to an upgraded alternator? I'm just wondering if this has any effects on the starter and other related components / wiring throughout the vehicle that depends on the alternator ...

Advice appreciated. Just trying to clarify a conversation I had with my father.

Only from a voltage standpoint. If the regulator is set too high, the excess voltage will cause the delicate electrical things like the car's computer to go up in smoke.

Current capability is wonderful, but all current is drawn by demand from the various parts of the vehicle......it is not shoved down the wire by the alt just because it can.....:cheeky4:

HTH

Exactly what I was thinking.. Your electrical component's are not connected directly to the alt! And like B.R.G said the current is drawn by demand!! Which is regulated by the computer.. All the alternator does is charge the battery.. If it put's out to much for your battery to handle than you will more than likely boil your battery and it will probably explode!! Which will dead short your car and probably fry everything in it. Correct me if I am wrong please..

The computer does not regulate current flow from the alt to the various parts of the car. The only way your battery will go boom is if it does receive a direct short.

If the voltage is set so high it boils dry.....well, at this point you will already have other things to think about....like pushing your car off to the side of the road because it stopped running......:dunno:

HTH

So what's the best way to avoid this then ???

From what I gather from all of that is that IT IS possible, however it's a combination of things ...

Actually it's only one thing.....the output voltage from the alt must be set correctly....period......again.....:stroke:

Okay ... probably a given ... but I'll ask since I'll be googling this ...

How or who can set this? If I pay someone to install an alternator, can they set it? Or if I install it myself, can I set it?
How would I KNOW it's set correctly, as you say.

Thanks.

Most regulators are internal and set at the time of manufacture for average 13.8-14.4V depending on the model.....it is a fairly pricey option to get an external regulator you can dial in after the alt is installed....:smokin:

HTH