What alternator with your system?

[Magicfan25]

well, I got the 2 12W3s today with a 500watt amp. I have indiglo gauges, when it thumps really hard on some songs, the gauges fade in and out slightly. I keep getting a hot smell, pretty sure its the alternator... will a Cap help this or am I gonna have to junk the alternator?

Wheres a good place for a HO alternator? thanks guys

 

[Robb]

hot smell?

500W / 12V = +/- 41 amps

That shouldn't be killing your alternator. But a cap wouldn't hurt either.

Robb

 

[Beastb15]

Nor will a cap really help. Sure it may supply the amp power when the alt. can't...but its just another drain on the alternator. You are basically replacing a drain with another drain.

 

[Robb]

Originally posted by Beastb15
Nor will a cap really help. Sure it may supply the amp power when the alt. can't...but its just another drain on the alternator. You are basically replacing a drain with another drain.

The cap will spread the elec. drain over a period of time instead of hitting all at ounce. It saves up a little a time, then BABOOM, it lets it out.

Robb

 

[Beastb15]

Its not going to spread it out over that much time...think about most songs....the bass notes aren't spread over a 10 second span...

Most of my music has constant bass....and/or has little time in between notes. So basically...its going to drain just like an amp.

 

[Robb]

I quess you are right. I have no idea why these things exist or why anyone uses them. I guess all the pro audio guys put them in there for looks.

Good Luck........

Robb

 

[Beastb15]

A cap is like a bandaid...does it work...kinda. It's not a permanent fix to the problem. You still get a drain regardless....regardless of what you say....regardless of what ANYONE says( i don't care if Alma Gates tells me himself).
And as far as the "pro audio guys" are concerned...if you look at their cars...they also have MORE than one H/O alternator in their car....especially in the higher classes. Not to mention these guys only have 30 seconds to get as high as they can. So a cap(or more) would suite them because they only play for a short time...when driving around a cap will not be as useful.

If you want real results...get a new alternator(and upgrade your big 3. Want a band-aid...get a cap.

 

[Robb]

Beast,
I mean no disrespect. If you look at my original post, I stated that the amp shouldn't be killing the alternator. That meaning that if the 500watts (+/- 41 amp) is causing a draining problem, there is something wrong.

I also questioned the hot smell. I have never smelled a bad alternator.

I simply meant that adding a cap wouldn't hurt. I wasn't suggesting that a cap was a fix. You would agree that a cap wouldn't help?

Simply, a small mis-interpretation of both of our posts. Agreed? Peace?

Robb

 

[Beastb15]

Agreed...

I just kinda felt like arguing...and that is a topic that is often argued.

 

[Explorer94GV]

How would a 98 altenator already be going out? like they said 500 watts shouldnt be killing it. Orignal battery? Orignal battery cables? If you do upgrade your altenator upgrade the cables while you have it out. What is the map rating on your altenator? Dont bother buying a cap for the $100 you spend you could buy another battery which would solve the problem.

 

[Magicfan25]

Ok, so maybe I'm wrong... Somethin is gettin warm under the hood though. The temp gauge doesnt move though. When I opened the hood with the engine runnin the hot small is on the alternator side. I dunno, when it breaks I'll figure it out I guess. I just bought a new battery in June, shoulda got one of those red or yellow tops....doh!!

 

[Rscotts1]

Thought about removing your alternator and taking it to a shop for some testing? Could be that something is wrong with it Also, what size power/ground wire are you running with your system? Just my thoughts.


http://members.cardomain.com/scotts1

 

[Magicfan25]

I believe its a 4gauge kit