Alternator overcharging?!

[Just8aV8]

the alternator from my 97 sr20det has been rebuilt completely yet still is charging at 15.xx volts. is there anything else that can explain this extra voltage? i was told this extra voltage could damage ecu, dash insturmentation, etc... is this true and or likely? thanks in advance.

[2brokey]

Dude, 15V is a good thing. If it didnt produce extra, it wouldnt be charging your battery at all! The voltage steps down after your alternator anyway, and slight overvoltage is NEVER a problem. LOW voltage is B-A-D! Low voltage is far worse to electronic equiptment than high voltage will ever be, as the poor electronic circuit is trying to feed it's hungry self. Think of it like this: Is it better to starve or be overstuffed? Which one will more likely kill you? Another way this general electrical theory proves itself is if you suffer low voltage, your stuff in your car starts buzzing and acting funny. If you have high voltage, all that happens is your lights get brighter :P

Your alternator is bad when its not producing current anymore. Your alternator sounds healthy to me. Most cars when running have 14~16V due to the alternator.

[kandyflip445]

Obesity can kill you.:p

[luey02]

the analogy with human bodies is the dumbest shit I've ever heard. Voltage in the 15's V is ok as long as it stays at 15. If you alternator is messed up ( or other things), vol. might spike to ~20 V is engine is reved to high rpms. Then that will be very likely to burn out your battery and every instrument appliances you have. I had to happen to me around 20V. You dont want electrical problems to happen, just think about tracing wires and lookin for a short behind the dash...

Kevin