ExCabSwap
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Posts: 264
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Post by ExCabSwap on Nov 10, 2014 22:57:02 GMT -8
Ok, so I just finished the rebuild, and when I was driving, I noticed the voltage meter (voltmeter?) displaying almost 18 volts!
So, I decided to grab my voltmeter and check it. While it's running, it's showing 15.36 volts at the battery. My buddy who is a diesel mech. said that 12.9 is ideal, and that if the alternator shouldn't keep pushing out all that or it can mess up my battery.
When I googled it, I found cases leaning to either side. Some said it was fine, others said that it wasn't. I'm just looking for some clarity.
Thanks!
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ODJeepster
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pack it in, pack it out
Posts: 379
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Post by ODJeepster on Nov 11, 2014 8:11:24 GMT -8
A full battery sits at 12.6v. A battery in a running vehicle with a proper working alternator is typically at 14.5v +\-. 18v is too high. The internal voltage regulator in the alternator keeps the voltage at acceptable levels at all rpms. Use a multimeter and check output voltage at the alternator
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Post by ljdude on Nov 11, 2014 22:21:21 GMT -8
Did you get a new alternator?
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ExCabSwap
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Active Member
Posts: 264
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Post by ExCabSwap on Nov 12, 2014 10:01:50 GMT -8
Did not get a new alternator. I just blew a bit of compressed air on it, then it sat for about a week before I installed it.
I will check the voltage at the alternator this evening.
Thanks!
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Post by 7m4x4dude on Nov 18, 2014 21:45:12 GMT -8
Gauge can be skewed. Mine is. It reads high. I test the batery. Altenator and sevral other key hot power locations. Every where i checked reads normal charging voltage 13.3-15 volts
If its consistently charging over 15 volts at the batery you run the risk of boiling your battery.
2.2 volts per cell x 6 =13.2v fully charged battery. This is what the industry calls a surface charge aswell. Meaning its hot off the charger. To get a more accurate reading. The surface charge needs.to be removed. Turning on the head lights for about 1-2 minutes will do the trick. You will see the battery voltage drop from 13.2 to roughly 12.4/12.7 and then rise back up after the load has been removed. This voltage shows state of charge. Generally 12.7/12.8 is a fully charged battery. 100% soc. Each tenth that soc is loward drops soc%. 12.7/100% , 12.6/80% 12.5 60%,12.4 40% 12.3 20% and 12.1/12.2 is considered a dead battery. The battery may have plenty of amps left to perform work. It just doesnt have alot of theoretical pressure to move the amps swiftly. Dim lights. Slow cranking. So forth.
Soc isnt a great way to tell how well your battery is charged. Just usefull to determine life of battery and how healthy the battery cells are.
Dont qoute me. Look it up your self. I am just going from what I remember and may have misleading information in this post. To tired to cross check what i have wrote ;-)
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