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Technical => Spud Miller's Cave => Topic started by: janjon on August 07, 2013, 08:36:22 PM

Title: Alternator question
Post by: janjon on August 07, 2013, 08:36:22 PM

Related to previous MSD question. I'm running a total-loss system, SBC with electric fuel pump and electric water pump drive and radiator fan. And Powerfire distributor / ignition. Self-contained. OEM alternator pulley sizes spin the alternator a good bit faster than crankshaft RPM, being much smaller than the crank pulley. Over-sized, "deep-groove" pulleys of the past were much larger and would spin the alternator much closer to 1-to-1 with crank speed. My question is, is that slower speed enough to provide adequate power to the battery and the electrics and electronics???

Title: Re: Alternator question
Post by: Spud Miller on August 08, 2013, 04:03:52 PM

 You don't mention how many amps the alternator is, but I bet you'll be fine.

 I think the battery (assuming it's a normal size/capacity battery) is ok to absorb the fan, water pump and fuel pump for a while.  The major concern is the ignition. Since the alternator is moving at a high RPM when you need the most ignition, I think you'll be ok.