Alternator overcharging?

[robb4100]

Over the winter I completed the switch to from generator to alternator. Engine runs well but I notice two apparently contradictory things.

When I finished the conversion the starting point for the battery voltage was 12.6 volts.

Fired the engine and at low RPM the voltage was still at 12.6 volts

Drove the car for about 4 miles for a quick shakedown run and for idled for another 10 min or so to check out various things. Did not check voltage.

The car sat overnight and I checked the voltage this AM it was 14.4 volts. I do not want to overcharge the battery or burn out the alternator. Also checked other circuits and 14.4 volts there as well. I will check with a second voltmeter to confirm.

Is this a normal range? If not, what should I check out next?

Thanks

Robb

[robertverhey]

I have a Lucas alternator conversion too. My auto electrician said 13.5V is not really enough, 14.5V is good. I fitted a new overhaul kit and it now reads between 14.5 and 15V....no probs so far

Robert

[rgh0]

Fully charged voltage for a lead acid 6 cell nominal 12V battery is around 14.4V at normal temperature of around 20C. Most modern alternators appear to be regulated to this maximum voltage. Early Lucas alternators were regulated to a somewhat lower maxium voltage - around 13.5V.

Once the battery stops charging the battery voltage when standing should drop to around 12.5 V over a few hours.

regards
Rohan

[wojeepster]

You are fine. 14.4 v will work with no problem.

[neilsjuke]

It is inportant that the cabel used matches the current output of the Alternator this can upset the voltage regulator if you use the old dymamo wire.

[robb4100]

neils,

Very good point about the cable- the kit came with a larger gauge brown wire that has beenconnected to the old voltage regulator (just using it as a junction box). Most of the wires from that box are fairly small gauge.

It seems to me that it would be best to run the large brown wire from the alternator directly to one of the battery cables. This would avoid passing large amounts of current through the small wires coming off the old regulator. does this make sense and should I just run it directly to the battery cable at the solenoid mounted on the firewall?

robb

[neilsjuke]

Rob Yes it would be better to do that what size cabel did you get ( number of strands ?44) please solder the joints.
Neil

[oldokie]

Does anyone have a conversion chart for US/UK gauges/sizes?