High output alternator

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rcodea1
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2019 12:58 pm

High output alternator

Post by rcodea1 »

gents, looking for some assistance. i have the 170amp alternator, AC DELCO 92254798.

When driving, i see ~13.5V or sometimes less than that. I am thinking that i need to upgrade to something more like 200 or 220 amps.

Anyone know what or whom makes a HO alternator?
~Ryan
Charleston, SC
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elc32955
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Location: East Central Florida
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Re: High output alternator

Post by elc32955 »

That's typical behavior for the Caprice alternator. On many GM's you'll see a drop in voltage in a little while after starting, my 08 Sierra routinely drops below 13 volts. GM has a TSB out on it as a result of customer concerns, they say this is perfectly normal behavior to extend the life of the charging system components. I was getting ready to cross the Ocala National Forest in my truck and saw the voltage drop from 14+ to 12.6V abruptly and needless to say I was a bit "concerned" at that point. I had visions of being stuck overnight in a national forest awaiting a visit from Mr. Bear and friends on the side of the road....

I know I didn't answer your question but wanted to reassure you that the alternator behavior seems to be normal. I see that also with my car.

Thanks
Eric
System Manager and your tour guide for the day. 2015 Caprice w/LFX, former NC DPS staff car. Partial hybrid G8/SS/Camaro SS interior mods, SS MyLink radio upgrade, 2016 Camaro V6 rims, GMPP Malibu chrome exhaust tips, otherwise bone stock for now.
s/c'd cav
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Location: PHOENIX AZ

Re: High output alternator

Post by s/c'd cav »

welcome to computer controlled alternators , the computer controls the voltage and amp out as it sees the needs , so unless you are having a issue with the battery and starting , things are completely normal
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#802PalmBeach
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Jun 14, 2021 10:33 am

Re: High output alternator

Post by #802PalmBeach »

Mine intermittently stops charging from the alternator and throws a battery light on the dash. Also elevates the idle to 1100 rpm. If it is doing it on purpose then why is the alternator whining so loud and warning me there's a problem?

Or do I just need a $400 alternator..???

:(

(Interstate battery good, $60 Nascar belt, the stock tensioner is still ok and only minor/moderate amount of oil on the alternator from the stupid ass power steering reservoir leaking)
'12 Caprice PPV 6.0 L77
30 to 70 MPH in 4.0 seconds so far

'02 Silverado 5.3 L59
8.2 @ 86 (1/8 mile)

YouTube channel
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#802PalmBeach
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Jun 14, 2021 10:33 am

Re: High output alternator

Post by #802PalmBeach »

#802PalmBeach wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:29 am Mine intermittently stops charging from the alternator and throws a battery light on the dash. Also elevates the idle to 1100 rpm. If it is doing it on purpose then why is the alternator whining so loud and warning me there's a problem?

Or do I just need a $400 alternator..???

:(

(Interstate battery good, $60 Nascar belt, the stock tensioner is still ok and only minor/moderate amount of oil on the alternator from the stupid ass power steering reservoir leaking)
An update to my personal situation regarding this:

We are having the OEM alternator (completely shot @ 105k miles) REBUILT for $96 out the door! By a very reputable local alternator shop.
As a contingency plan I also ordered a $250 one from Rock Auto that's a cheese richard brand but direct fit and 170a

So no $600 alternator or being without a car (for that reason anyway...) for me

stay tuned for our Caprice from satan build thread full of pain bloodshed misery and chaos. Coming soon with pics
'12 Caprice PPV 6.0 L77
30 to 70 MPH in 4.0 seconds so far

'02 Silverado 5.3 L59
8.2 @ 86 (1/8 mile)

YouTube channel
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