Considering Getting A 70a Or 80a Alternator

[humanz 3]

I'm considering replacing my alternator, and I noticed on servicebox that 70 and 80A alternators were available for XU engines. I've found 50A, 70A and 80A alternators available on ebay, so I was wondering what disadvantages, if any, there are to using a 70A or 80A alternator rather than a 50A one.

 

I have no idea what amperage my current alternator is, but it doesn't seem able to cope currently, so I'm looking to replace it.

[joe1joe 3]

So why do you feel the alternator isn't coping?

[engine killer 6]

correct me if i am wrong, the less amp it produces, the less power it draws from the engine. which means less power loss.

 

the aged wires and harness also eat up a number of current.

 

i used to have 3 power amps pumping silly noises, whenever there was a "BOOM", i saw the light dimmed. so if you have amps, subs, aircon..... better to have a bigger power one. i think peugeot put a 70a or 80a in a gti instead of 50a, there must be a reason.

[Cameron 16]

I have an 80 Amp alternator from a 406 in mine as it has to power an electric water pump, Pacet fan and heated windscreen. It does the job very well but when you're drawing a lot of current it really hurts the idle speed!

[humanz 3]

Well, ok, firstly, I've got the dim battery light problem. The alternator says it's producing well over 14V (can't remember how much, but I have a feeling it's too much) when I check it at idle, but at nights with the lights on, and the indicators going, and when the first of two fans has cut in (I admit the low temperature for the thermoswitch might be a bit too low, but) the dim battery light becomes fairly bright and the car tends not to want to idle (read: it cuts out at a stop unless I keep the revs up). I've checked out the wiring, the earths, the next step really will be to take it to a qualified electrician to have a good once over, but I nor my mechanic haven't found any possible sources for the loss of power once several electrical circuits are activated. I haven't taken it to get checked yet as I'm awaiting a working starter motor (which seems to have gotten lost in the mail).

 

And then on top of the present draws on power, I'm hoping to fit a stereo system and A/C.

 

So I figure the voltage regulators on the alternator may probably be going/gone, and I've no idea when last the alternator was changed before I bought the engine.

 

So I'm considering my alternatives.

 

Engine Killer: I don't understand the first part of your post. Are you saying a high-rated alternator will draw more power from the engine?

I don't mind a high idle speed. Would rather that than have to keep the dropping the car into neutral and keeping on foot on the brake and the other on the gas every time I come to a standstill at night.

[Cameron 16]

You won't have a higher idle speed, it'll be lower! The more current you draw from the alternator the more load you put on the engine, that's the point Engine Killer was trying to make.

[Ryan 99]

The alternator will only provide as much power as is needed. The rating is just the maximum it can produce, so you can fit any size you like.

 

It shouldn't have much effect on idle speed or engine load. Drawing say 30 amps is the same load whether it's coming from a 50A or a 70A alternator.

[welshpug 1,657]

what ryan said

 

obviously you'll have the marginal increase in rotational weight of a larger unit, but that's a negligible difference I'd imagine.

[2-Pugs 57]

205's with air con were fitted with an 80 amp alternator from the factory

[JRL 14 1 Cars]

I fitted an 80a tonight on my mi16 you may as well get the 80a. i got mine from neat autos in west drayton near heathrow for just £50 new Valeo part.

http://www.parts4peugeot.com/

[JRL 14 1 Cars]

lol just read your location ignore my last post doubt ul be able to pop down to heathrow. I can see why you need A/C!

[engine killer 6]

You won't have a higher idle speed, it'll be lower! The more current you draw from the alternator the more load you put on the engine, that's the point Engine Killer was trying to make.

 

Thank you very much for making my sentence (sorry for my poor English standard) understandable

[Cameron 16]

Don't worry about it, your English is better than some UK members!

[humanz 3]

lol just read your location ignore my last post doubt ul be able to pop down to heathrow. I can see why you need A/C!

Lol. Don't worry about it. I've ordered from Neat Auto before tho, and the alternators I've been seeing online cost more than £50 before shipping. Will drop them a line to find out about shipping.

Cheers.