Will a 130amp alternator do damage to the system.

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD EXPLORER
  • 76,000 MILES
Will a 130amp alternator do damage to the system, it came with a 95amp alternator
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 AT 1:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
It could in a round-about way. You will not get more current out of a generator with a higher capacity than what the truck's electrical system needs. If those needs are 50 amps, either unit will only develop 50 amps. Where you can run into problems is at some point someone is going to want to test the system by doing a load-test. Part of that test uses a machine to draw system voltage down and cause the voltage regulator to run the generator wide open. If it is working properly, they will find close to the maximum rating. That will overload the fuse and wiring in the system. For many years fuse link wires were used and their diameter was chosen according to the generator's capacity. Today most vehicles use a bolted-in fuse that will blow. Those are easier to replace than a fuse link. Even if you install a fuse with a higher current rating, that leaves you with under-size wire and the chance of overheating it. Ford owners are already too familiar with garage and vehicle fires. No need to temp the fates by installing a generator with a capacity to overload the wires.
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Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 AT 2:28 PM

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