Alternator Question

[Junkman]

My question concerns the electrical output of the alternator. I have a Leece Neville alternator on my 1963 Chrysler, and it is marked 14 volts. I was told that they uses a 14 volt alternator on the car because the two way radios required 14.2 volts minimum to operate properly. If the alternator is adjusted to put out 14.2 volts, will this have an adverse effect on the longevity of the battery and the other electrical components, such as headlamps and tail lamp bulbs? thanks Junk..

[Torque1st]

The CB radios worked just fine on 12V. There will be no problems with your vehicle.

12V automotive battery systems all run 13.8-14.2 volts in order to charge the battery. In the old days of mechanical regulators we used to change those settings slightly. Sometimes we set the little old lady's "go to church on Sunday 3 blocks away" car up to 14.5 volts. Other times we turned a traveling salesman's system down to 13.6 volts so he would not boil the battery so bad. That was back before they had all of the nice chemical systems in the battery to recombine the hydrogen etc.

I still have scars on my fingers from checking battery levels and all the acid.

[russlaferrera]

Junk, IMO , I don't think it's a problem. GM alternators operate at 13-15 volts hot and 14-16 volts cold. I don't have any specs on Chrysler Products. Andy may know .

[kbs2244]

12 volts is a "nominal" name.
Kind of like "2x4" is really 1 1/2 x 3 1/2.
This is what voltage regulators are for.
And that is what Torque is talking about as to adjusting the voltage according to usage.
If you are using an old style voltage regulator you may have to do this.
Alternators are made to produce more than the minimum so they can get the battery back up to full charge quickly for short trip drivers.
The modern regulators monitor the battery level better and do the adjusting on their own.
Your alternator will work just fine.
(The guy talking about your radios was blowing smoke.)