What Does 8-11Volt Drops Do To An Alternator?

[InfiniteRuckus]

I was reading a thread about voltage drops and damaging amps, when i thought to myself... what do these type of drops do to your alternator (both stock & HO)? I would imagine it would try to keep up with the demand but at what cost? what effect does this have on the voltage regulator?

[cubs_fan0718]

doesnt ur car shut off at like 8 ? but i imgine u run a risk of burning the alt up.

[Fennygolf]

id say it burn the alt up then shut the car down

[infinity]

i dont think your car would shut off because then i will go on battery power, so it will last about 1-15 min depending on your battery. Also, it will damage your amp =)

[kirill007]

Ask armyguy... (or Team_DC_Derrick, is how he is called right now.)

[InfiniteRuckus]

Mine is currently dipping into the mid to high 11's (on a stock alternator), but in that thread some were saying they've gotten it to dip to 8 volts. I plan to get a 200AMP Iraggi in a week or 2, so I am curious how badly the stock one is being beat on. I burned out a stock one last week but i have no clue what the voltage was reading. it did however shut the vehicle down yet the battery was still strong enough to power the stereo & attempt to crank the motor but not start. I found a temporary replacement until i get the HO & it fired right back up. I might pull the gain back a bit to reduce the power demand until I get the new one.

Edited May 19, 2010 by InfiniteRuckus

[zayres29]

doesnt amps like fry why below 9-10 or at leased serious damage how is anyone dipping in the 8s without buying new equipment i wouldnt even play my system if i ran the risk of that they lowest mine goes is 10-11 with stock alt and stock batt

[Guest DC Power Kyle]

If its a stock alternator you will most likely burn it up to a 8 volt drop. However, if it's a harpin: you won't burn it up because they are very very very smart alternators.

[InfiniteRuckus]

i was talking with 1lung last night & he was telling me he got his to dip to 5 once

[JMZNeal]

if my volt meter gets below 13.1 i cut my shit down and that only happens when i get knob happy other wise i stay at 14.2-13.8 full tilt no clip. I'm running one stinger sp1200 one marine deep cycle in back and one burnt up titanium under the hood off a 130amp cop car alt on a 4cyl motor... throw more reserve cap in there.. if you have to just get a $79 marine deep cycle from Auto zone/Advanced/pepboys/where ever.. 185-190 min reserve cap with a 2year free replacement warranty. crappy batss i know but they will keep your voltage up longer and your alt will last longer or forever if you keep the batts charged.

I burnt my stock 95amp alt out after 3 years of abuse and running dead batts