alt worries

[Spike_Sierra]

driving along the other night i chuck on my rooflights and spotties like i usually do, and the car dies, not enough power to make ign. This was revving the car at 3500rpm so alternator was making around its max amps.
But i was trying a couple of times after that and would only do it now and then.
now i was checking today the voltage drop at the moment i turned the lights on, but it didnt drop below 12.

it has never done this before, i havnt been 4wding lately, so no mud or water in alt.

is this just a problem of brushes wearing out and need replacing.

the alt is off a 96 courier and is 60amp.

the total spotties total 600w drawing about 40 amps when the car is running at 13.5volts. The car draws around 58amps with everything on, lights ign, sterio, heater, wipers etc.

anyone find another fault i have missed? or just the brushes?

on another note, anyone got a el falcon alt for sale

[drivesafe]

Hi Spike_Sierra, for a start, you are overloading your alternator but that aside, even if you were overloading your alternator, when you switched your driving lights on all that should have happened is that all your lights will slowly go dim as your battery will take up the additional load and this would slowly drain the battery if left on for some time.

If when you turned your lights on, you suddenly had power problems then I think it might pay you to get your electrics check out by an auto electrician.

[Spike_Sierra]

yeah it went dim a couple of times, but then brightened back up, altho it cut out a couple aswell..

any reason why it should start doing it now?

[drivesafe]

Hi Spike, not being able to test your system, I can only guess but it sounds like either your alternator is in need of an overhaul and as such, it is not charging your battery properly and/or your battery is on it’s last legs.

A trip to an auto electrician to get your system checked, will give you an exact idea and they should not charge you just to test your system. If the want to charge you, go elsewhere.

Cheers and let us know how you get on.

[Spike_Sierra]

battery is a new N70ZZ, so that shouldnt be a prob,

might see if i can get a bigger alt while im at it, give this one to my brother so fix..im pretty sure an el falcon fits with minimal fuss..
thanks for the info drivesafe.

[duncan]

What output is a falcon altinator as i have to do a up grade soon to run a winch and charge 2 batteries

[nicbeer]

Hey duncan,

I have found that they are about 110amp max in the ef/el falc ones. i am trying to find one also so i can do it into my zook.

Believe they are easy bolt in with pully change needed only.

cheers

[duncan]

Cool will start looking see what we can find