[bubbahotep]

Last night it was 100' cruising in NY and my stock 86 alternator was struggling with the fans, lights, msd etc, so I went for a new one today

I installed a Powermaster 3 wire 140amp with 60-80amp at idle. I have an under drive pulley system and idle at 1000rpm so I figure Im at the lower part of the output spectrum.

Its 102' out now. I ran the car for about 2 minutes at idle with the new alternator, high beams, my 3 fans, and whatever else I could power up and the output was pretty much steady at 14v from the alternator based on a digital volt display I have on the wheel well. After turning the car off (again after 2 minutes of major draw on the alternator) I touched the alternator and almost scorched my hand. Do these things run that hot under load?

[T-bucket23]

They do get hot.

[bubbahotep]

Originally Posted by T-bucket23

They do get hot.

Cool (I mean hot...drum beat). Ive got a nice red alternator vent burn on my palm. In 20+ years of running this car I never had my hand on the alternator after shutting it off. New shiney alternator and Im paying it too much attention I guess.

[ogre]

Originally Posted by bubbahotep

New shiney alternator and Im paying it too much attention I guess.

be happy that you didn't give it a kiss

[pepi]

Hot lips indeed ..LOL , yes they can get hot with a load and you had that happening. I have never personally hand tested them cause I always figured if they were charging that was all good, no smoke not to hot. 1000 rpm idle you are pushing some HP there, under hood heat could also be adding to the temp.

[EOD Guy]

Had an issue with my new alt getting ext hot, like your talking about, and the battery would go flat in 2-3 weeks...... solution.... I had switched the wires on the alt by accident and the voltage reg was grounding it's self out, I switched them to the correct sides and poof no more hot alt

[LATECH]

you should check the voltage and the current output to be sure it isnt staying Maxxed out causing the heat problem, yes they do get hot, better to do a few quick checks to be sure there isnt something else going on though. Just a thought.

[lg1969]

Your alternator should not exceed 150C (302F). Beyond that the varnish on the wire may start melting and the diodes in the alternator will short out. 100C is boiling point of water. Alternators can handle a lot of heat.

[bubbahotep]

Originally Posted by lg1969

Your alternator should not exceed 150C (302F). Beyond that the varnish on the wire may start melting and the diodes in the alternator will short out. 100C is boiling point of water. Alternators can handle a lot of heat.

That is an INSANE range. The alt is well under engine temp so I guess its all good.