Agreed, generalizing about the idle charging capabilities based on the failure of a single charging system to work right is not valid. I have charged my batteries at idle many times in various Vanagons. Maybe the Bosch alternators are better at this than the Subaru ones but I doubt it. I think the key is healthy wiring of a proper size. If you measure the voltage at the alternator while idling and then turn on the headlights, dash fan, etc you can judge easily enough how able the alternator itself is of keeping up with the load. The voltage will not drop much if it is keeping up. If you also measure at the battery and see a much bigger drop, it is the wiring that is not keeping up. Mark with 2 electric only fridge Camper Vanagons only on alternator charging
Bob Stevens wrote: > On Sat, Sep 5, 2009 at 10:42 AM, Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@mac.com> wrote: > >> It is probably folly to idle the engine expecting the alternator to >> charge the batteries. I don't know what the idle speed is on the >> zetec, but most engines are turning slowly enough that the alternator >> is putting out minimum amps. In otherwords, just enough to keep the >> engine running, but not enough to charge the battery. >> > > This isn't true on my rig. I've been parked for 3 days and the kitchen panel > light going into > amber for "battery" level running everything it does, and when idling the > engine for 20-30 > minutes that light returns to green WHILE THE FRIDGE/RADIO ARE RUNNING, and > after > another day the amber light level returns, while the fridge/radio are > running. Idle is at 600rpm. > > I'm using the UB12220 wheel chair batteries (4) set up and have no > electrical level monitoring > gauges to actually tell me any specific information. I have a '90 Subaru 2.2 > motor with an SVX > alternator (95 amp) in the system. I also have the 1315 separator in my main > battery box. > Vitrifrigo fridge. > > Bob Stevens > '87 Syncro Westy > |
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