i read in the archives that Optima does NOT recommend anything less than a 15 volt alternator output, if this is true, then we are all undercharging our optimas becouse the vanagon's Alt charges around 13-14V. Even MORE confusing is that the battery guy told me any charge over 14.5 volts will destroy 12v batterys. Wha? Optimas FAQ:http://www.optimabatteries.com/faq.asp#q7 Would a LARGER alt help, or does the alt's voltage regulator get in the way? Please correct my figures as i am also repeating what the battery guy told me. Also My alternator is charging around 12.7v under load...the battree guy tells me i should be around 13-13.5(tested with stereo/headlights on at 2000RPM's) He says my Alt is too weak, especially when i have the stereo on, fan, headlights and auxillary battery connected via a big relay switch. Apparently all this stuff is hogging precious juice from my batterys. He told me a bigger alternator would fix my problem. So anyone know where i can buy a larger amp alternator that might fit the Tiico bracket/pulleys? i found this alternator described as being higher output, at lower RPM's it at: http://www.amplepower.com/products/alt/index.html its chromed and looks ex$pen$ive.
Thanks Phil 84' Westy w/ Tiico
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