Need some charging help!
< Samantha...my Co-Pilot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 768
Likes: 11
From: Fallon, Nevada
Typically with a stock setup you would like 13.8 to 14.2 volts. 15 volts is too high in my opinion...on extended drives you would be "gassing" the battery and reducing it's service life.
< Samantha...my Co-Pilot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 768
Likes: 11
From: Fallon, Nevada
I like the idea of their OEM Series alternator...I will probably put one of those in my truck when the time comes. I see that the XP series have output voltages in excess of 15 volts and that makes me wary of them, but I do llike the technology behind them. Have you noticed what your alternator output voltage is when you first start (glow plug cycle), when hot/cold, and under light load/heavy load. What modifications did you make to your rig when you installed your DCPower 190 and are you happy it? Thanks. Sorry, not trying to hijack the post.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Fraser, Michigan
Hey Jakebrake, what I found with the XP 250 is that after the large demand and the batteries have their fill (I assume), and the truck warms up it tones down to 14.5 volts, at about 29 amps during the day and 34 at amps at night on the highway and city. So it's not a constant high 14 low 15. The highest I seen so far is 15.1 VDC. Haven't had it on a long trip with a load yet. If it does shorten the life of the batteries I would be the first one to let you guys know.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
I Recommend Ohio Generators. They make a factory Replacement 300 amp Alternator. At idle you'd get 270 amps Ive had them Send me one for my 05 and with all the police lights, Computer , Printer, Radios etc its been a worry free Replacement
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< Samantha...my Co-Pilot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 768
Likes: 11
From: Fallon, Nevada
Hey Jakebrake, what I found with the XP 250 is that after the large demand and the batteries have their fill (I assume), and the truck warms up it tones down to 14.5 volts, at about 29 amps during the day and 34 at amps at night on the highway and city. So it's not a constant high 14 low 15. The highest I seen so far is 15.1 VDC. Haven't had it on a long trip with a load yet. If it does shorten the life of the batteries I would be the first one to let you guys know.
P.S. What mods did you make to install the XP250 and did it bolt and plug right in? Thanks.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Fraser, Michigan
Thanks for the info. I guess I should call them (DC Power) and speak with someone about my concerns with the voltage output. Just curious...where are you taking your voltage reading, and are you using a DMM? 14.5 volts sounds better but most flooded cell batteries will gas at 14.4 volts. Do you have conventional lead-acid batteries? Keep an eye on your electrolyte levels and add distilled water as needed in case you are gassing them. Update us here later on when you have some more time with that alternator.
P.S. What mods did you make to install the XP250 and did it bolt and plug right in? Thanks.
P.S. What mods did you make to install the XP250 and did it bolt and plug right in? Thanks.
It is a bolt in, but had to remove a screw for the support for the hose from the water pump. Spacers came with it but there is no need for them. An adapter came with it to plug in the sense line. And I used a number 2 wire from the alternator to the passenger side battery piggy backing the existing wire that supplies the glow plugs and charges the batteries. An 8mm stud is on the alt.
I will keep you guys informed if there are any set backs with this set up an let you know what DCpower said.
< Samantha...my Co-Pilot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 768
Likes: 11
From: Fallon, Nevada
Concerning the Odyssey batteries...look at the Sears DieHard Platinum P-2... I believe it is the same battery and might be less money. It has been my experience on my truck that the voltage at the OBDII is a few tenths less than what I measure at the batteries, at least according to my Evolution monitor...could just be the monitor. Since you have sealed batteries you will not be able to check the electrolyte, but I don't think there will be a problem at 14.5 volts. I would still worry about 15 volts, especially as the weather gets warmer along with the batteries. It will be interesting to hear what DC Power has to say...I might be over thinking this whole thing...time will tell.
Did your existing battery charge cable fit over the 8mm stud on the Alternator? Did you fuse the cable that you added? Thanks for your responses...I will look for your update.
Did your existing battery charge cable fit over the 8mm stud on the Alternator? Did you fuse the cable that you added? Thanks for your responses...I will look for your update.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,881
Likes: 3,595
Here is an article that says the higher voltages are not really bad (to a limit):
Alternator & Charging System Checks (Alternator Testing)
I know that there are a few articles out there that say 14.5V is the upper limit and some that say 15V is the limit. Lots of opinions.
Alternator & Charging System Checks (Alternator Testing)
I know that there are a few articles out there that say 14.5V is the upper limit and some that say 15V is the limit. Lots of opinions.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Fraser, Michigan
Concerning the Odyssey batteries...look at the Sears DieHard Platinum P-2... I believe it is the same battery and might be less money. It has been my experience on my truck that the voltage at the OBDII is a few tenths less than what I measure at the batteries, at least according to my Evolution monitor...could just be the monitor. Since you have sealed batteries you will not be able to check the electrolyte, but I don't think there will be a problem at 14.5 volts. I would still worry about 15 volts, especially as the weather gets warmer along with the batteries. It will be interesting to hear what DC Power has to say...I might be over thinking this whole thing...time will tell.
Did your existing battery charge cable fit over the 8mm stud on the Alternator? Did you fuse the cable that you added? Thanks for your responses...I will look for your update.
Did your existing battery charge cable fit over the 8mm stud on the Alternator? Did you fuse the cable that you added? Thanks for your responses...I will look for your update.
Ended up drilling out the stakon with a metric 8.5mm drill.
Changing out the cable from battery to battery and putting a splice in from the battery to the starter (the splice is long barrel double crimp heavy duty). The battery clamps are just about shot. At that point the 250 amp fuse will go in. I'll be posting pictures once the wiring is done. I hope this week end.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Fraser, Michigan
Here is an article that says the higher voltages are not really bad (to a limit):
Alternator & Charging System Checks (Alternator Testing)
I know that there are a few articles out there that say 14.5V is the upper limit and some that say 15V is the limit. Lots of opinions.
Alternator & Charging System Checks (Alternator Testing)
I know that there are a few articles out there that say 14.5V is the upper limit and some that say 15V is the limit. Lots of opinions.
Thanks again.