What kind of problems would an overcharging alternator cause on a car? Is it something that needs to be fixed immediately or can I get by for quite some time without harming a vehicle?

Thanks

 

Besides frying the battery and any sensitive electronics.....

 

sounds good, i'll replace it!

thanks

 

What's too high on charging?? If it shows 14v on the battery posts when running, then it's normal. If it's more then that, then it could be a problem.

Mitch

 

Over charging is a regulator that is not controlling the alternator output according to battery charge level or system demand.
Normlly upon starting, the battery charge level is drawn down, voltage drops.
The regulator has an internal reference to work it's control from and compares it's reference to the out side demands for charge level control.
As the battery voltage rises the alternator volage reduces to a common float level usually between 13.6 and 14 volts again depending on demand.
An out of control alternator overheats, wears it's brushes, drives the water part out of the battery, overheats the battery, causes sulfation, loads the motor more than normal, headlites have shorter life and all sorts of reactions.
It is normal for the battery charge voltage to go as high as 16 volts but taper down within a few minutes if the battery is in good condition and take it's recharge. A battery than has a shorted cell, broken internal cell connector or some other defect preventing it's voltage from rising to normal levels, keeps taking a charge from the alternator that permotes alternator wear, overheating, less gas mileage form the load etc.

 

shoot mine jumps up too like 18 amps...needless to stay i shut it off quick, but ol dude says its just a diode and not hole alternator itself, i let ya know what i find out later so u dont spend a bunch of money that isnt necessary

 

Another one , back from the dead. You ever heard of starting your own thread ? First, search your problem. If you don't find an answer, start you own thread. Do all this In the proper forum, not engines. You'll have better luck.

 

was that ment for me...im not sure what im doin when it comes to the internet, i just realized its more than just for **** and music..lol..but seriously whats a thread?

 

Yea that was meant for you and thanks for sharing

Toward the top of the page in each forum, there's a "New Thread" button. Hit that and you can start a new one. But do this in the correct forum. Alternator has to do with electrical systems, -so that's where you would post you question.