Thinking of running 2 Alternators

[rhauf]

2000streetrod hit the nail on the head. The alternator would need a certain amount of belt around the pulley. Here are my suggestions for a dual alternator setup.

1) add a pulley to the crank, make an adjustable bracket for the alternator, and put it anywhere you have room.

2) ditch the p/s pump or use an electric one, and do the above, skipping the pulley on the crank.

3) if you are dead set on your system running at 14 volts, why not use a 14 volt battery? Visit your local material handling company or forklift repair shop. They can make you one. A forklift battery is split into cells. Each cell has 2v. They will add 7 cells together, making a 14v battery. Your car runs on 14v, so odviously you will not damage anything.

a 12 volt battery has a float voltage (the voltage which it charges, but does not overcharge at) of 13.8 volts. a 14 volt battery would have a float voltage of 16.1 volts.

another thought for batteries would be to buy two 6v golf cart batteries. even if the alternator couldn't maintain enough amperage to keep up with demand while the system was running, the golf cart batterys are very high capacity and would run the amps for a long period of time, the alternator would have plenty of time to recharge them during the 90% of the time you're engine is running that the stereo is not cranked to full

 

[eXcali]

a 12 volt battery has a float voltage (the voltage which it charges, but does not overcharge at) of 13.8 volts. a 14 volt battery would have a float voltage of 16.1 volts.

another thought for batteries would be to buy two 6v golf cart batteries. even if the alternator couldn't maintain enough amperage to keep up with demand while the system was running, the golf cart batterys are very high capacity and would run the amps for a long period of time, the alternator would have plenty of time to recharge them during the 90% of the time you're engine is running that the stereo is not cranked to full

You have a good point about the golfcart batteries. I know a couple guys who run the 12v scooter batteries for their audio. They have it setup so when the voltage dips it switches over to the 12v scooter batts, when alt catches back up it switches back over. That's just a thought since the electric steering pump is going to suck crazy power. Those types of batteries are designed for extended drain unlike your automobile battery which is more setup for momentary surge.

 

[spankmeplz]

A golf cart battery is a deep cycle battery. A blue top optima may be more readily avaliable.

 

[spankmeplz]

Earlier you dismissed using capacitors, but they are designed to prevent the problem you are having.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Car-Audio-Capacitors:-Why-You-Cant-Do-Without-Them&id=74789

I've heard the question asked many times before, 'Do I really need a capacitor?' Before answering that question I ask, 'Do you have a high powered system?' 'Does it require sudden power bursts?' 'Is your amplifier being robbed of power?' If the answers to my questions are yes, make every effort to connect a capacitor to your car audio system.

A capacitor is a bit similar to your car battery; it stores electrical energy. But unlike a battery it doesn't produce its own power, it simply stores it. A car audio capacitor will help you get the most from your amplifier. It will store power for release on demand, delivering it to your amplifier just when it's needed.

Your car amplifier requires a lot of power to play loud music, especially when there's lots of heavy bass. Without a capacitor your amplifier will be robbed of power by parts like your lights, engine, and air conditioner.

So what happens when your car audio amplifier doesn't receive enough power?

A common occurrence is dimming lights. In such a situation the light will follow the beat of the music. The light will dim each time a heavy bass note sounds. If you were to turn off the lights, your car stereo system would suddenly sound louder and the music would be cleaner.

Your amplifier is simply trying to use more energy than the electrical system can supply. If a capacitor had been present there would have been enough energy to power your amp. That electrical energy would have already been stored.

When you want to reduce headlight dimming, improve bass response, and increase the power of your amp, a stiffening capacitor is a must. Equipped with capacitor and an adequate power supply, your system will get every bit of current it needs. Voltage drops will be a thing of the past.

With so many brands available online, it's easy to find a capacitor that meets your needs. You can choose from popular brands like Phoenix-Digital, Blitz-Audio, Kole-Audio, Pyramid, SoundStorm, Lanzar, Power-Acoustik, Pyle, Legacy, Nitro-BMW, SPL, and Volfenhag. No longer will your car amplifier be hungry for power.

 

[kentb]

please guys, im just asking for advice on how to add a 2nd alternator not on why not to add a 2nd alternator. thank you.

 

[rhauf]

please guys, im just asking for advice on how to add a 2nd alternator not on why not to add a 2nd alternator. thank you.

maybe you could run an electric alternator. basically an alternator which is driven directly by an electric motor!! that would be pretty sweet

(yes i'm kidding)

 

[eXcali]

please guys, im just asking for advice on how to add a 2nd alternator not on why not to add a 2nd alternator. thank you.

As has been told to you several times now, you don't have much if any room under your hood to add a second alt, if you place it where you have your current Power steering pump you will need an electric power steering pump which will eat a ton of power from your new alt. The only other option would be to remove your A/C compressor and add a 2nd alt there.

It seems pretty funny you disregard the answers to your question.

 

[rhauf]

Some cars run really small alternators (i dont know which exactly, but i'm seen tiny ones on japanese cars before) just some advice but you would probably be more likely to get a small one to fit than a normal size one.

it is likely you will need to add an extra pulley. might want to just do a V belt pulley. talk to some fabrication places, i bet they'll have ideas for you too.

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.dcpowerinc.com/dual-alternators/ford-dual-alternator-kits.html

 

[kentb]

http://www.dcpowerinc.com/dual-alternators/ford-dual-alternator-kits.html

Rob @ dc doesn't have any brackets for explorers as of now, he's actually going to see my truck this week to see the options for a dual alt.