Too much voltage??

[ToddK]

I've just replaced the battery in my 63 Galaxie and checked the voltage at the terminals with the engine running. My multimeter is showing 14.4V with the engine above idle. Is this going to cause a problem for the battery? I'm using a Power master PowerGen, which is an internally regulated alternator in a case that looks like the original generator.

Would the high voltage cause tne battery to boil? I put a new battery in because the old one was leaking. Now I'm wondering if it was actually boiling due to the high voltage?

[Heo]

I dont think so. Most Alternators is marked 14.4 to 14.7 Volts (bosch)
And i think Motorcraft alternators is marked the same
I think 13.7 volts is minimum what you need to fully
charge a 12 volt battery..But there is probably
people here that know this better than me that can
tell you how it realy is

[GJCAT427]

I would`nt worry about it. The battery will take as much as it wants when recharging. Most systems loose voltage due to dlfferences in wire guage, The length of the wires in the cars, junction blocks, connectors ect. If it were charging at 16-18 volts then its time to worry.

[Barry_R]

Sounds a bit high to me unless the battery is discharged.  Normal running voltages with a fully charged battery are 13.4-13.6

[fe66comet]

14.4 is standard charge voltage. Check the regulator when the batters reaches 13 volts it should cut out. Any charging system runs 2.4 volts over stated voltage. Except older Chrysler products that use a resistor that is 18 volts. Batteries generally leak from freezing, if the case is bowed out it is junk as it spreads the plates apart reducing voltage and capacity.

[BruceS]

Todd,
Have you heard of Mark Hamilton of MAD electrical?  Here's a link from his website: http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/howitworks.shtml. In this article he says a 12 volt system needs alternator output of around 14.2 volts.  Btw this is a really good source for auto electrical knowledge and components. I first became aware of him when I installed the MSD ignition and mounted the control box under the front seat in my Fairlane.  He has written several articles on how to do proper wiring, repairs, and how to improve the electrical systems on our cars. Hope you enjoy.

[ToddK]

Thanks for that article, Bruce. I'll have a read of it over the next few days.

At least that indicates that the charging system on my 63 is working as advertised.

[MT63AFX]

I'd be in heaven if there was an alternator/generator that had 17.5-18VDC output,  , Rod.

[fe66comet]

Drag race alternator of early 70s Mopar.

[fe66comet]

Summit has everything from 6 to 24 military. A bunch in 12/16 and straight 16.., all under race alternators.

[e philpott]

those drag race 16 volt alternators are for 16 volt race batteries for 600 plus cubes ...... normal points regulator system voltage between 13.2 to 15.2 is considered normal .... alternators when full fielded (by-passes regulator) will reach 18 volt no problem above idle

[fe66comet]

I remember changing lamps on dodges a whole lot back in the day, they were real bright for a while then blink dead. You can add resistors to step down to where you need it. If you want that kind of voltage but amperage is what makes stuff work. The more amperage the more work potential. I have resistors on our military stuff to pull trailers stepping down from 24 to 12 sized according to load potential.

[MT63AFX]

those drag race 16 volt alternators are for 16 volt race batteries for 600 plus cubes ...... normal points regulator system voltage between 13.2 to 15.2 is considered normal .... alternators when full fielded (by-passes regulator) will reach 18 volt no problem above idle

I'll have to look into one of those, thanks. I've had the 16V Turbo battery for quite some time and wouldn't like draggin' a generator and 16V battery charger, especially at car shows, lol, Rod.

[Ford428CJ]

Todd,
Have you heard of Mark Hamilton of MAD electrical?  Here's a link from his website: http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/howitworks.shtml. In this article he says a 12 volt system needs alternator output of around 14.2 volts.  Btw this is a really good source for auto electrical knowledge and components. I first became aware of him when I installed the MSD ignition and mounted the control box under the front seat in my Fairlane.  He has written several articles on how to do proper wiring, repairs, and how to improve the electrical systems on our cars. Hope you enjoy.

 Voltage should be 13.8 Min to 14.8 max for a properly working Alt. Also put a load on the system. Turn on your head lights and heater. It should drop and then pick back up. Long as your in the range... Your good! JMHO

[fe66comet]

That's the way its done simple easy and to the point. I use the same test on gennys also if it pulls down it is working.