Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Rolm
I will pass this advise I recieved from an alternator rebuilder. Allways replace your battery in the 5th year if you keep a weak battery all it will do is burn our your alternator. The alternator will woor at it's max output to try and re-charge the battery and you will be wasting all kinds of gas.
This is the best way of testing the battery and alternator
With engine off
test battery with volt meter if it reads below 12.35 volts replace battery and if more then 5 years old, If battery above 12.35 volts now turn on lights ( engine off) test battery if it reads below 12.00 volts replace battery. If battery tests ok start engine if you read less then 13.5 volts with engine ideling above 2,000 rpm replace alternator.
In conclusion
A good battery reads above 12.35 volts or 12.00 volts with lights on
A good alternator reads above 13.5-14.5 volts at 2,000 rpm.
|
That's good information. I like to change my battery every 5 years just so the chances of being stranded are reduced. I might have a volt meter somewhere so I will see If I can find it.