Date:         Mon, 21 Jul 2003 12:42:57 -0700
Reply-To:     "Phil S." <napszeerf@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Phil S." <napszeerf@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Vanagon alternator too weak for Optimas.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

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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