Root Moose
Expedition Leader
IIRC the smallest alternator in the more modern Jeeps (~1990 up) is something like 90 Amps. I may be wrong on that though.
Dead Yellow top :(
- Thread starter alosix
- Start date
getlost4x4
Expedition Leader
i think you guys should upgrade your alternator with your battery. you can't use a battery as a band-aid fix for a low performing alternator. the battery will not like it, and will just die.
i was running my stock battery with my winch without to many problems because the alternator was able to keep up with the draw. but i had the rest the battery much more with the stock battery then i do now with the optima yellow top. i can make pulls for about twice as long as i could before. i just am going by ear though, when i hear the winch start to bog down, i stop winching and let the alternator charge the battery back up. and i keep the jeep running and charging for about 30 minutes afterward just to be on the safe side.
i was running my stock battery with my winch without to many problems because the alternator was able to keep up with the draw. but i had the rest the battery much more with the stock battery then i do now with the optima yellow top. i can make pulls for about twice as long as i could before. i just am going by ear though, when i hear the winch start to bog down, i stop winching and let the alternator charge the battery back up. and i keep the jeep running and charging for about 30 minutes afterward just to be on the safe side.
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Root Moose
Expedition Leader
I agree with you.
I have a red top and a WARN M8000 on my Jeep. Stock alternator (90A?).
I used it to winch down some buildings and fences around the property and the electrical wasn't able to keep up with the winch. It would drag down the engine/electrical enough to cause the "CHECK GAUGES" light to come on the dash, idle would drop. I got my wife to get in the Jeep and manipulate the throttle after that. It still wasn't happy though.
A bigger alternator is on my to do list.
I have a red top and a WARN M8000 on my Jeep. Stock alternator (90A?).
I used it to winch down some buildings and fences around the property and the electrical wasn't able to keep up with the winch. It would drag down the engine/electrical enough to cause the "CHECK GAUGES" light to come on the dash, idle would drop. I got my wife to get in the Jeep and manipulate the throttle after that. It still wasn't happy though.
A bigger alternator is on my to do list.
alosix
Expedition Leader
Alternator on this one is a newish Napa unit. Actually been one of the best ones I've had on the Jeep. Think its int the 150-160a range.
I had a 200amp dodge ram one on there. It worked well to start, but the pulley was in just enough of a different place that over time my belt began rubbing a water pump bolt.
Jason
I had a 200amp dodge ram one on there. It worked well to start, but the pulley was in just enough of a different place that over time my belt began rubbing a water pump bolt.
Jason
alosix
Expedition Leader
Updates:
#1 Coscto ROCKS took the Yellow top back to a cash refund no questions asked!!!!
#2 Found that my charger does trickle AND my 5 month dead exide orbital came back to life after a night on the charger!! Drove the Jeep into work today for its first run.
#3, now I have $178 to figure out what to do with my battery
Jason
#1 Coscto ROCKS took the Yellow top back to a cash refund no questions asked!!!!
#2 Found that my charger does trickle AND my 5 month dead exide orbital came back to life after a night on the charger!! Drove the Jeep into work today for its first run.
#3, now I have $178 to figure out what to do with my battery
Jason
winkosmosis
Explorer
Meanwhile I've run down the Yellow Top in my Miata twice by leaving the marker lights on, and it seems fine!
pumapatrick
New member
Fram Oil Filters are not full flow.........Wix are a better choice
BlueBomber
Adventurer
I remember when I first started getting into trucks and 4X4s optimas were the best, now that dosent seem true. would a dual alt. setup extend battery life (for quicker charging, more compleate charge, less drain...ect)?
anyone know???
anyone know???
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alosix
Expedition Leader
Yeah, now sure if mine is an outlier or not, but I've got a dead yellow and dead red in the garage now that just won't take a charge.
The Exide orbital, which I have run down 3-4 times now to real dead, came back with a night on the charger.
This was more a post about:
1. I got my Jeep running
2. Coscto warranty support rocks
3. Now I gotta find another battery, and its time for something different.
Jason
Mayne
Explorer
I'm trying out a "yellow top" AGM type battery from east penn. I got the Battery from Batteries Plus on Stevens Creek in San Jose. It's Made by Deka, and it cost me $185 out the door. 2 year unconditional 3rd year pro rated warranty.
I don't know how good it will be yet, as it is new. the battery is the same size as the stock jeep battery as well.
Just a though.
Mayne
I don't know how good it will be yet, as it is new. the battery is the same size as the stock jeep battery as well.
Just a though.
Mayne
alosix
Expedition Leader
Not a bad thought, and Stevens Creek in San Jose will give me a nice trip by Bevmo for some 1800
Jason
winkosmosis
Explorer
I believe those AGMs are less able to handle deep cycling than standard plate lead acid batteries, and also require a lower amperage charging rate. At least that's how it is with the Miata AGM batteries which are made by the same company.
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
Did you see this thread too?
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30706
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30706
BlueBomber
Adventurer
anyone know???