Alternator rating

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Peter-S
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Alternator rating

Post by Peter-S »

I've had an intermittent dull glow from the charging light on the dash recently which strangely seemed worse at higher revs. Anyway out in the dark and rain 50 miles from home yesterday evening it was glowing like a good 'un so might be time to swap the alternator. I have an old spare but, as Christmas is coming (so I've heard), I thought I might treat the old girl to a new one! However there's lots of output ratings available 35A, 45A, 55A even 75A. Any thoughts on the best one to go for?
It's for the 2.0 with a couple of extras like electric fan and fog lights.
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Re: Alternator rating

Post by Jasonmarie »

I had a really quick look and not sure what one you have but is this kit any good ?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 1669312542
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Re: Alternator rating

Post by Jasonmarie »

[quote="Jasonmarie"]I had a really quick look and not sure what one you have but is this kit any good

Can’t upload link “ hang on “
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Re: Alternator rating

Post by Paul G »

Peter-S wrote:I've had an intermittent dull glow from the charging light on the dash recently which strangely seemed worse at higher revs. Anyway out in the dark and rain 50 miles from home yesterday evening it was glowing like a good 'un so might be time to swap the alternator. I have an old spare but, as Christmas is coming (so I've heard), I thought I might treat the old girl to a new one! However there's lots of output ratings available 35A, 45A, 55A even 75A. Any thoughts on the best one to go for?
It's for the 2.0 with a couple of extras like electric fan and fog lights.
Standard is a 45amp but with the extras it can't hurt going to a 55amp so long as your battery is also up to it. My Laser has an 097 battery with a 54 amp rating. A dim glow ususally means a diode ih the rectifyer is about to go,

I think the 35 amp alternator would have only suited a 1.6 base with no heated rear window or rear wash/wipe and other electrical toys.
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Re: Alternator rating

Post by Jasonmarie »

God knows what I did with my first post that come up with the wrong link and doubled .
Yes I have a 097 battery fitted in mine the same as the 2.8i
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Re: Alternator rating

Post by Peter-S »

Paul G wrote: Standard is a 45amp but with the extras it can't hurt going to a 55amp so long as your battery is also up to it. My Laser has an 097 battery with a 54 amp rating. A dim glow ususally means a diode ih the rectifyer is about to go,

I think the 35 amp alternator would have only suited a 1.6 base with no heated rear window or rear wash/wipe and other electrical toys.
Thanks Paul.
I 'borrowed' a battery from the 2.8 a couple of years back so 55A sounds the way to go.
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Re: Alternator rating

Post by Fordoholic Nick »

Peter-S wrote:I 'borrowed' a battery from the 2.8 a couple of years back so 55A sounds the way to go.
Hi Peter, I got a 55A one too on my Pinto as a couple of years back I remember I was deciding between either the 45a or 55a and decided to go 'up' as I have Bosch battery at a higher rating than standard.
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Re: Alternator rating

Post by Peter-S »

Fordoholic Nick wrote: Hi Peter, I got a 55A one too on my Pinto as a couple of years back I remember I was deciding between either the 45a or 55a and decided to go 'up' as I have Bosch battery at a higher rating than standard.
Cheers Nick.
Almost surprised that the old girl started this morning so I guess the old alternator must be doing something but a shiny new one is on the way :)
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Re: Alternator rating

Post by Not_Anumber »

I remember in the late 80s the alternator went on the 1.6L I had and I replaced it with a 2nd hand one from a Mk2 Granada Ghia. It was a much larger unit but the mounting points were the same so I just swapped over the pulley. It charged the battery better and coped with all the electrics on at the same time without dimming the lights. For the minimal extra weight I'd recommend increasing alternator size rather than a like for like replacement.
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Re: Alternator rating

Post by ollyw »

55a is fine for what you require there Peter.

Olly W
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