Divide your alternator pulley size into your crank pulley size to get the ratio . Example: If you have a 6′′ crank pulley and a 2′′ alternator pulley. 6/2=3. You have a 3 to one ratio, you multiply your engine RPM by 3 so if your engine is turning 1500 RPM's your alternator is turning 4500 RPM's.
Can you swap pulleys on an alternator?
Use the proper alternator pulley type for the specific vehicle: solid pulleys, one-way clutches and overrunning alternator decouplers are not interchangeable . So it is vital that the new alternator pulley is the same type of pulley that was installed by the vehicle manufacturer as original equipment.
Can I put a bigger pulley on my alternator?
Yes , you can increase your alternators overall output as well as increase power output at engine idle speeds.
What is alternator pulley ratio?
Models: All Pulleys. Đ The pulley ratio is an Important consideration in selecting an alternator pulley, since it is used to determine the proper outer diameter. The pulley ratio is the ratio between the outer diameters of the engine drive pulley and the alternator pulley.
Are alternator pulleys universal?
Spectre's Alternator Pulley Kit is engineered to provide high performance alternator hardware with a universal design. Manufactured from machined aluminum, this part will fit the majority of Chevrolet, General Motors, and Ford engines.
What is the minimum RPM of a 12v car alternator?
Typically, the lowest speed at which a car alternator is able to generate 12VDC is about 1,800 RPM . to DC to appropriately charge the battery. Thus, the alternator contains a diode rectifier circuit to convert the AC voltage to DC.
How do I determine the size of my alternator?
Look for a diagram under or near your fuse box cover . It will have individual amperage numbers (sometimes along with volts) already set by the manufacturer. Add up those numbers to find what amperage your alternator needs to feed the car's electrical system. Verify this number with the part manufacturer, if necessary.
Can you spin an alternator too fast?
An alternator has a normal range of operation. Most alternators need to spin at about 2,400 rpm at idle, have their maximum output above 6,000 rpm, and should never exceed 18,000 rpm .
How much HP does an alternator draw?
An alternator takes about 1 HP for every 25 Amps of power . At full output, a 100 Amp alternator will need about 4 HP. For a long time, most alternators don't operate at full output.
Can a car alternator power a house?
You can use car alternators to power a home . One method of doing this is to use the alternators to recharge storage batteries. These batteries could then be used to power an inverter, which would produce the AC voltage needed to run the house. ... Connect the alternator and gas engine together using a V-belt.
What is an alternator pulley?
The alternator pulley allows the V-shape or serpentine belt to spin the alternator and is driven by the engine's accessory drive system. ... When the engine remains idle, it remains at enough speed to produce sufficient power for maintaining the battery's charge.
How many volts should alternator put out?
A good alternator should put out between ** 13.5-14.5 volts . Stress test the alternator – Place a load on the alternator by turning on the headlights, the radio and the air conditioning. The voltage should remain high with these circuits on.
Does an alternator charge a battery at idle?
The answer is ‘ YES ‘, yes the car battery does charge while the engine is idling. ... As long as the mechanical action of the alternator is taking place; that is, being turned by the engine crankshaft. Then the alternator is producing AC current, thereby charging the battery while your car is idling.
How many amps does a alternator put out at idle?
Most late model alternators produce 120 to 155 amps or more. Current output increases with engine speed, from around 20 to 50 amps at idle up to the unit's maximum output at 2,500 RPM or higher (refer to a service manual for the exact charging output specifications for your vehicle).
Can an alternator be too powerful?
You can never have too much amperage when it comes to alternators; therefore, you never have to worry about choosing an alternator with too high of a rated output. ... Amperage is basically the amount of electrical current your alternator can supply.
How big of an alternator do I need for 3000 watts?
3000 watt / 12V is equal to 250A . A 250A alternator is needed to keep up with it. Since your engine would have to work just as hard as any portable 3KW generator to keep up with the amplifier, you would need a large fuel tank.
