Thread: Alternator

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My truck has an external voltage regulator with 63 amps. Can I replace my alternator with a higher output model or will this cause problems ?
Thanks

Would there be any advantage to going to the higher output if regulator would only regulate 63 amps ?

Your regulator doesn't regulate the amps of the altenator,as said in a previous post it regulates voltage. The design of the alternator is what determines how many amps it will put out. If you pull more amps than the alternator will put out the voltage will just drop.

If you are going to buy a new alternator, why not get one with an internal regulator and get rid of the external one? One less thing to clutter up the engine compartment

Pat

Down to personal choice but i prefere the externaly regulated alternators,,,,easier to repair,,,,also,,the regulators job is to regulate the voltage going to the battery by altering the amount of "FIELD" voltage to the alternator,,,,,more field voltage= more out put from alternator.
Externaly mounted regulators can be full fielded if necessary, making the alternator give it's maximum out put,,,,caution is necessary though when doing this because now you have unregulated voltage from the alternator.
As to your question of should you go for a higher amp alternator:
Absolutely,,,,,,stock alternators are usually woefully inadaquate to the tasks we give them,,,,,and dont worry,,,when you dont need the power,,,the alternator will not give you any more than you need.