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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 08:37 PM
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Default alternator power question

my escos has 13.8v on idle if i switch everything on and mean everything rad fans as well, both headed screens...etc... the voltage drops to 11.8 does this mean my alternators hadit underload??

cheers
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 08:38 PM
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you need to test at around 2000rpm, not idle

you need to be seeing around 14v + ideally
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 08:42 PM
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From: peterborough
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you want over 12v really at idle,disconnect your battery and see what the battery is on its own without the alternator or running that wants to be a tad over 12v alone.
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 08:47 PM
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it should never go under 12v even at idle
check the fan belt is right tight
if it is then looks like alt has seen better days
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 08:50 PM
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sos forgot to mention i did try it at 3000rpm, the belt has its own spring loaded tentioner so it cant be lose... where a cheap place to get a replacement? Camberly Autos?
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by dom123
sos forgot to mention i did try it at 3000rpm, the belt has its own spring loaded tentioner so it cant be lose... where a cheap place to get a replacement? Camberly Autos?
thats what i get for for not reading it correctly, just realised you said escos so belt is self tensioning( for me)

dont know who's best for yo local mate i'm in glasgow
just shop around, wont be that dear they're very simple alternators
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Old Dec 29, 2008 | 07:02 AM
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Does the situation ever occur where you have everything on at idle ?
I suspect the answer is NO, there is nothing wrong with this alternator, they cannot do mega loads at idle speed, simple as that, doesn't cause a problem as they don't do it in use anyway.
Do the test at 2000rpm, with a FULLY charged battery and so long as over around 12.2/12.4 stop worrying, is the alternator singing, as they willoften do this when overloaded.
The 90 amp(or whatever) is a peak reading, realistically the peak is a normal continuous max output.
tabetha
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