Charge and discharge is not the condition that makes the light glow.
Yesterday there was an excellent note on the difference between volts, amps
and ohms. The light comes on when there is a voltage difference between
alternator and battery indicating a fault in the system, either alt or bat
is not producing enough volts. Discharge occurs when the total system drain
exceeds the output of the alt. Not enough amps. The Lucas alternators were
about 28 amp output. Draw 30 amps total usage in the car and the ammeter
will indicate discharge, even though both are producing the right voltage
and the lil light is not on. The battery will be adding the extra current
required to run the system, hence, discharging.
This is why many of us replace the alt with another unit from GM or Bosch or
whoever, to get more amps out. I have a Nissan alternator that is capable
of 55 Amps, I can run the lights, the heater, the turn signals and the
radio, all at the same time without discharge.
Jim Altman jaltman@altlaw.com Illigitimi non Carborundum
http://www.altlaw.com/metro/jaltman.html 69-TR6#CC28754L W4UCK
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Tony Rhodes
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 1998 5:31 PM
To: INTERNET:triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Alternator and Light
I have been following the TR6 alternator thread with interest. My TR4A
(currently
in restoration) always _seemed_ to run at a discharge when driving at
night. The
AMPS meter seemed to go ever so slightly negative, and the turn signals
would
make it flick a little more negative as the signals blinked on. I never
noticed the
Ignition light coming on in any way.
Two questions. 1) Is it normal for the lights to bring the charging
system close to
discharge? Maybe my regulator isn't doing its job. 2) If the drain on the
electrical
system exceeds the output of the alternator, should the ignition light on
the dash
definitely come on? I never really knew what it was that made the light
come
on/go off!
-Tony Rhodes
'67 4A CTC73336L
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