hardtohit1
Pittsburgh, PA
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Joined: 11/22/2007
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My 1982 RV (350 GM engine) alternator is putting out 15 volts.
Is this too high?
Can I adjust it down?
I have it charging the engine and house 12 volt batteries.
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jesterdog
Texas
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Joined: 05/04/2007
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Normally it's supposed to be 14.5v or so, right? Is 15v too high you think?
You can't adjust it down, you have to replace the alternator. Or the voltage regulator in the alternator.
Call the nearest auto parts store and ask them if that voltage is too high on their tester...
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weasel4
Alberta
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hardtohit1
It depends on what you are using for a meter. The Dash one?? could be off a bit. Volt Ohm Meter, could be off too. Make sure your measuring device is calibrated first.
BTC
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jenks60
MS. coast
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15 volts is O K., my Smart charger gets higher than that, I think.
Here is a quote from "THE 12 VOLT SIDE OF LIFE":
"Most flooded batteries should be charged at no more than the "C/10" rate for any sustained period. "C/10" is the battery capacity in amp/hours divided by 10. For a 220 AH battery, this would equal 22 Amps. Charging at 15.5 volts will give you a 100% charge on Lead-Acid batteries. Note that flooded batteries MUST bubble (gas) somewhat to ensure a full charge, and to mix the electrolyte. Float voltage for Lead-Acid batteries should be about 2.15 to 2.23 volts per cell, or about 12.9-13.4 volts for a 12 volt battery. Flooded battery life can be extended if an equalizing charge is applied every 10 to 40 days. This is a charge that is about 10% higher than normal full charge voltage, and is applied for about 2 to 16 hours. This makes sure that all the cells are equally charged, and the gas bubbles mix the electrolyte. If the liquid in standard wet cells is not mixed, the electrolyte becomes "stratified". You can have very strong solution at the top, and very weak at the bottom of the cell."
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hershey
Albuquerque,(fulltime) NM, USA
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Check it with another meter. I'll bet its less than 15 volts.
hershey - albuquerque, nm
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charwan
Dawsonville, Ga.
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NO, its too much. Anything over 14.5 will boil batteries.
N4FAP
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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Yes you will boil out your batteries, 14.6 is absolute max, but you are better off at 14.2 max.
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RJsfishin
Winston Or.
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Certain abnormal battery conditions can give you a high charging voltage reading also. Make sure it is not a battery problem before replacing anything.
Over 15v will boil batteries ?? Over 14v will too 
Rich
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beachcomber_1
Alton, Illinois
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Many GM alternators new or remanufactured will charge at up to 15.5 volts. The greater the load the more likely it is to happen. Test new alternators out of box and you will find the same thing, it should taper back as the load from starting engine and recovering the loss of charge in battery. I have found all GM internal regulated alternators to show this trait.
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MrWizard
Van Nuys, Ca
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check it again after the engine and alternator warm up.. and see what it says
and also check it with another meter, if is not to high unless it never goes lower, if it is always 15 at the battery then, you need to keep an eye on the electrolyte level in the battery, so it doesn't boil out
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