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Alternator Testing Procedure 1996 Subaru SVX
Using a 12V power socket with two battery clamps at the other end, I connected the socket directly to the POS and NEG terminals of my battery and plugged in my Nordskog digital voltmeter. The battery had the additional, upgraded 4 gauge power and ground wires attached.
I believe that by connecting the meter as close to the alternator as possible, I would get the most accurate readings. Since there is only one wire directly from the alternator output terminal to the battery, this would be the optimum location for testing.
Next, start the car with all accessories off and check the voltage level. It should be between 13.5 and 15.1 volts. (it depends on your make and model of car) My particular installation gives me a 14.4V reading (cold condition)
The main thing I am looking for is a drop in voltage. Once I hit around 12.5V, the alternator is not going to produce any additional amperage.
The next thing I do is turn on one accessory at a time. I also have a chart of the fuse rating for each accessory that I use. I keep turning on accessories and adding up the fuse ratings until the voltage falls to 12.5V
If my electric cooling fans are on, I add an additional 25A for these, and an additional 10 amps for the battery. Here are the fuse ratings for my car:
10A
....Battery -10A
25A
....Cooling fans (at startup)
30A
....Headlights
10A
....High Beams
10A
....Tail lights
20A
....Brake lights
10A
....Air Conditioning
15A
....A/C Fans
20A
....Rear Defroster
20A
....Heated Mirrors
15A
....Stereo system
The combined total fuse ratings of the above circuits adds up to
185A
I have used most of these simultaneously in various combinations with my stock 95A alternator and never had a problem. Likewise, I have NEVER blown a fuse in any of these circuits, so I am certain that the fuses are rated at much higher than the actual current draw for each circuit.
So it seems that my electrical system used much less than this, as the stock alternator charging system was rated at 95A at full output and about 40A at idle.
Adding other small circuits (flashers, wipers, etc.) and the total electrical load on my system could be between
40-60A.
The fact that I have had an 80A inline fuse in the car for more than two years without blowing them, both with the stock alternator and the high-output one, seems to support these figures.
Having my 160A alternator, producing over 80A at idle is what this is all about in addressing my original concerns of power in a low-speed situation.
I did all of these measurements at 800rpm idle and at 2000 rpm. This way I tested idle output and maximum.
Assuming a “hot state” decrease in output of 80% of maximum, I still have 70A available at idle and 136A at 2000rpm with the high-output alternator.
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Subaru Ambassador
1996 Polo Green LSi #216
..138,100 miles.
..SOLD
JFICX8659TH100216.....Date of Manufacture: November 16, 1995.....
Fuji Heavy Industries..Ōta North Plant....Ōta City,. Gunma Prefecture, Japan
In-Service Date: January 2, 1997
"The Pristine Green Polo Machine”
First Polo Green on the Network
First Clear front turn signals, JDM Alcyone hood emblem, rear panel, and BOXER engine cover on the Network (US) (2000)
First 5000K HID factory fog lights (2007)
First SVX JDM BBS wheels on a USDM SVX (2013)
HID lighting (5000K) for headlight and H3 fog lights, PIAA SuperExtreme 120W high beams, rebuilt EG33 longblock, Cometic head gaskets, Phase II flexplate, AMR aluminum radiator with custom silicone hoses, 160A high-output alternator in aluminum-ceramic coated case, new design alternator wiring upgrade v.4, rare factory headlight protectors, refinished JDM BBS mesh aluminum wheels and custom, polished billet aluminum new hex center caps, LED grille mod, R1 Concepts high-carbon cryo slotted rotors, Akebono ceramic pads, Goodridge S/S braided brake lines, Smallcar Stage 1 shift kit, ThermalTech aluminum/ceramic-coated valve covers, Energy Suspension urethane front & rear swaybar bushings, Bontrager22 rear swaybar with QS Components Chromoly Teflon/Kevlar endlinks, "$15.00/5 minute" suspension mod. Hella Supertone horns, Custom stainless steel exhaust system with 2" headpipes, Magnaflow cats, AeroTurbine AR25 resonator /AWD "Bullet" muffler.
R.I.P. 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 CVT...338,000 miles. Totaled by a 1,300 lb.
COW March 4, 2016
2014 Hyundai Avante Limited ...178,000 miles. Actually quieter and smoother than the Outback
2007 Mazda Miata MX-5 PRHT...102,000 miles.
Plenty of parts, service and windshields.
4th Registered Network member —2/21/2001
My NEW locker..I...My Email..I..Wikipedia/SVX .
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