I figured out my Voltage Drain

[Zack]

I just put a NAPA top of the line Alternator on the car for re-assurance since the stocker was original....Last thing I need is a voltage issue on the dyno next week.

I drove the car to work today and Im getting the same shit when stopped for a while....voltage drops anywhere from 11.9 to 12.5. WTF right?

Its the High Speed Cooling fan doing it. I know the fan draws tons of power, but I dont have enough Cobra knowledge to know if this is a sign of a tired fan motor or if this is normal. Ironically my Marauder does the exact same thing!

Any advice is appreciated.

Click to read more...

 

[Dana]

how old is the battery?

 

[Zack]

how old is the battery?

I dont know, its definitely not stock. Its an Interstate.

 

[Dana]

I dont know, its definitely not stock. Its an Interstate.

I don't have much faith in Interstate batteries.
Have the thing load tested or switch it with a known good one and see what happens.

 

[Zack]

I don't have much faith in Interstate batteries.
Have the thing load tested or switch it with a known good one and see what happens.

Will do, and thanks as always. Do the High Dollar Optima's make everything on these cars function better? I am running the Triple Pump assembly full time.

 

[sleepercobra]

Will do, and thanks as always. Do the High Dollar Optima's make everything on these cars function better? I am running the Triple Pump assembly full time.

my optima red top made a world of difference. im sure you will agree if you get one. 34/78 is the part #

 

[Dana]

The Optimas I have had were all good.
I'm going to quit commenting about your problem because I missed the initial explanation of just what exactly the problem is and I don't want to tell you something without knowing what'a going on.
But, with the fan on high speed and the 3 pumps on full, that would probably be enough to knock a weak battery down into the voltage range you are seeing at an idle.

 

[Zack]

Thanks guys.
Ill go get a Red Top this weekend.

 

[Dana]

You might consider just bringing the 3rd pump online as needed, say after 15 pounds of boost or something like that. You definitely don't need them all on at an idle.

A Hobbs switch can do that for you.

 

[Zack]

You might consider just bringing the 3rd pump online as needed, say after 15 pounds of boost or something like that. You definitely don't need them all on at an idle.

A Hobbs switch can do that for you.

Kurgan told me to do that.....then when it came time to put the parts on he told me he wanted all 3 on full time.

..I even bought the Hobbs switch!

 

[Bob_Kurgan]

optima batteries are made by Interstate... we have both in stock... Interstate megatrons are the best batteries in my opinion..

as far as zacks comment on the hobbs switch, ideas change... i have seem hobbs switches fail so i choose to do them full time now..

 

[Zack]

How much are the megatrons Bob? Maybe Ill throw one in when Im up there next week.

 

[Bob_Kurgan]

i can do one for $109.00

 

[Zack]

i can do one for $109.00

Hot damn every bit of advice you've given me so far has been spot on so Im gonna trust you with the battery.

Ill take it!

 

[Dana]

Actually Johnson Controls makes Interstate Megatron Auto batteries.
Johnson controls also makes/owns Optima batteries.

Interstate Battery System of America, Inc., (US) +1-972-991-1444, 1-888-772-3600 or http://www.interstatebatteries.com/

50-Month, (Green Top) [Starting] by Johnson Controls

AGM Series [VRLA Spiral Wound] by Optima

Ameriton by Johnson Controls

BBG Series [VRLA] by C&D Technologies

Big Joe [Deep Cycle] by U.S. Battery

BPS Series [SLA Deep Cycle] by Power-Sonic

Bulldog [Deep Cycle] by Bulldog Battery

CATV Series [VRLA] by C&D Technologies

Cycle-Tron [Starting] by Yuasa

Cranking [Starting] by Johnson Controls

DCS, (Deep Cycle Series) by C&D Technologies

Extreme Performance [Starting Sprial Cell] by Optima

GC Series [Deep Cycle] by C&D Technologies

Mega-Tron, (Gray Top) [Starting] by Johnson Controls

Plus, (Black Top) [Starting] by Johnson Controls

Motorcycle [Power Sports Starting] by Yuasa

MVP, (Mobility Valu-Plus) Series [Deep Cycle] by C&D Technologies

PC Series [SLA Deep Cycle] by Power-Sonic

PowerVolt [Starting] by Johnson Controls

PS Series [SLA Deep Cycle] by Power-Sonic

SG Series [Gel Cell Deep Cycle] by East Penn

SC, (SpiralCell) Series by Optima

SDCS Series [Deep Cycle] by C&D Technologies

TCOM Series [SLA Deep Cycle] by Power-Sonic

TEL Series [Deep Cycle Deep Cycle] by C&D Technologies

U Series [Deep Cycle] by U.S. Battery

UPS Series [Deep Cycle Deep Cycle] by C&D Technologies

V Series [Starting] by Enertec Mexico

Workaholic [Starting] by Johnson Controls

 

[Dana]

Also, Johnson Controls makes the batteries for Autozone--- Duralast --$106
And Walmart's top of the line battery ---- Everstart Maxxx -- $77
Same battery, Same weight, Same warranty -- 8 years

 

[Bob_Kurgan]

all i know is that the interstate truck pulls up and delivers optima and interstate batteries LOL

 

[2vkiller]

Put in a MOTORCRAFT BXT-65-750 and don't look back. Interstate batteries are pieces of shit.

 

[Zack]

Upon further testing, the voltage will stay steady around 14 volts up until the car (or alternator) gets hot. After that the voltage starts to drop.

Im going to run a cooling duct from the hole in the front bumper to the alternator and see if it gets any better.

 

[Dana]

Good idea.
Heat kills a lot of these alternators. The cooler they can run, the better.

 

[Since 1964]

:wall: I grabbed the Interstate when it was on sale for $49.99 in late 07.

I didn't REALLY need one I was just staying ahead of the proverbial curve so to speak. The alternator was replaced by FORD in 05.

 

[chet3310]

Wow, you're one crazy mofo.... JK! If it doesn't start or battery light comes on is when I would start worrying about it. I was always told if it isn't broke don't touch it.

 

[01bluesnake]

It's fairly normal for cars to stay within 13.5 to 14.5 volts when running. The only time i worry is when the alternator drags to catch up when a load is applied or the voltage hangs around 13.5 without load and lower with a load on.

 

[Zack]

With the 3 pumps running full time, combined with the heat it makes....its no good.

im gonna run the cooling duct to the alternator, run an additional 6ga wire from the battery to the alternator, parallel the supply voltage line to the alternator and get a super mega awesome battery for it.

If that doesnt work I will make a custom something or other to run dual alternators. Im not joking either...ill do it.

 

[Zack]

It's fairly normal for cars to stay within 13.5 to 14.5 volts when running. The only time i worry is when the alternator drags to catch up when a load is applied or the voltage hangs around 13.5 without load and lower with a load on.

Ive never seen it above 14.0.
It starts out about 13.8 cold and progressively drops as everything gets hot.