Listers,
I've been following this thread with interest as I'm about to install an
alternator on my Healey with a new albeit stock wiring loom. I hadn't
considered increasing the size of the cable.
I do appreciate the knowledge I have gained, also being electrically
challenged. However, I haven't seen an answer to Roland's original
question: "Has anyone who has installed an alternator ever had a
problem from overloading the Healey electrics?" Has anyone? Or have
all those running alternators that I've seen either upgraded the wiring
or been as lucky as Roland? I'm not trying to be a smart ass, I'd just
like to know before putting my loom at risk.
Bill Barnett
'53 BN1M
PS: I'm leaving for Vegas for a couple of days <VBG> and won't be able
respond immediately.
John Harper wrote:
> Eric
>
> When a generator (dynamo) is connected to the battery because the speed
> is sufficient to close the cut out in the control box, or an alternator
> is running at sufficient speed, this source of power is directly
> connected to the battery and also to any load that is switched on.
> Therefore one has a three way connection where, depending on whether the
> load is greater or less than the generator or alternator output, current
> will flow out or into the battery. Some owner fit an ammeter to watch
> this. Part or all of the load can be taken from the generator or
> alternator. In fact as somebody said recently it is possible to run a
> car fitted with a generator with the battery disconnected so long as the
> engine revs are kept high enough. Obviously once the revs drop there
> will be insufficient power to keep the ignition alive and you will not
> be able to restart without reconnecting the battery..
>
> The reason for this long explanation is to let you know that your
> statement that "All electrical consumers in a car are fed by the
> battery" is not entirely true. However 'connected' to the battery is a
> valid statement
>
> What I was trying to say in my previous email is that a heavier cable
> should be fitted to match the output of the alternator. This is because
> an alternator is capable of charging the battery at a suitably high
> current AND run all the lights and accessories.
>
> Best regards
>
>> John, I don't know what you mean. Maybe because English is not my native
>> tongue.
>>
>> All electrical consumers in a car are fed by the battery. I've seen no
>> consumer fed by the alternator directly. Of course the battery is fed by the
>> alternator, so the alternator feeds all consumers indirectly via the
>> battery. I'm not sure about modern cars, but I know for quite sure that this
>> is the way the electrical charging system works in our AHs.
>>
>> As you say, if you replace the original cable between alternator and battery
>> (after upgrading to a 50 amp alternator) with a 50 amp cable, everything is
>> fine. Maybe this is what you said and I didn't get it right. At least this
>> is what I wanted to say.
>>
>> Best regards
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