2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 136 Amp alternator, necessary?

[Gifford]

I'm just curious, why does the CTD Ram need a 136 amp alternator? THe grid heater?

 

[DiTrani]

In a word...

... yes.



After running the grid heaters and turning that high-compression engine over those 2 batteries are thirsty for charge. The big alternator is to charge them quickly so your batteries don't die if you run around starting and stopping the engine a lot.

 

[dresslered]

I measured the output once with a clamp-on ammeter after start-up on a warm day and saw that it was pumping out about 120-amps.

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by Gifford
I'm just curious, why does the CTD Ram need a 136 amp alternator? THe grid heater?

The intake heaters draw about 100 amps (each perhaps). The alternator is intended to supply most or all of the current needed to run the heaters.

Even 136A is *almost* too small. Consider how low the system voltage is drawn when the heaters are on - this means the alternator cannont supply enough current to maintain proper system voltage. But since there is rarely a problem with dead batteries in event eh coldest weather, I would assume that 136A is about right.

Fest3er

 

[BarryG]

I read in the service manual the other day that those bad boys draw 90 amps each.

 

[1tuffram]

My '95 service manual states the grid heater elements can EACH draw 95 Amps at 12 Volts

 

[Darel]

Does anyone know if Mean Green makes an alternator for our trucks? I like the 200+ amp capability and the lifetime warranty.

Darel

 

[QRTRHRS]

Check this thread.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54362&highlight=Alternator



I remembered someone posting about a larger alternator and found this in the archieves. Scroll down to the post from Bigguyram.