[Kliminati]

Seems like my 200's alternator is on it way out. Its the 110 amp version but looking around the internet I see 200 amp versions available. Is it a bad or good idea to get a higher amp version?

Also how difficult are they to diagnose/rebuild myself?

 

[littlegreek]

200 amps? I doubt it. Unless you want to attach a X-mas tree on the roof or turn the car into an RV,you dont need 200amps. From what i remember,the new VAG large chassis cars and suv's run 160amp and they have every creature feature known to man. They also run coolant and air ducts to keep it cool. Go check all your grounds and connections to the battery and alt.,clean,lightly sand battery posts and put a coat of dialectric grease on them. Get volt meter and with car running measure voltage on battery posts,should be 13.8 ish. Get volt meter and measure voltage from alt. output and a ground point,should be 13.8. If not,remove alt. and get it bench tested. Oh,there are chinese alts. on the market,they are junk,get a rebuild as its better.

 

[nismo]

I'm a big proponent of upgraded alts. If you get one built by Mechman, I've seen as high as 370 amps, with 200 @ 500 rpm. My big issue with stock alts is that 13.8v is really insufficient. With an upgrade, you can often get a voltage regulator upgrade too.

I don't recall my Regal's amp output, but even with 1/0 front to back, and 2/0 "big 3", my voltage sags to below 14.0, even with the music on my stereo at relatively low levels.

Eric

 

[Rocco16V]

How may current drawing devices have you added? lights stereo ect, unless your running a big stereo amp(s). stock 110amp is enough. I would advise against going cheap on the alt. a rebuild is often the way to go.

some of the older bosch ones have brush kits available and are super easy to replace. on my scirocco it was two bolts and i didnt even have to remove the alt from the car.

 

[glibobbo21]

a 200(car) will def have same style VR as the rocco

 

[Hairball II]

Since you guys are on the topic of alternator amps, think my 20v 4000 project would be ok with a 65amp alt? No AC, rad fan replaced with a slim fan that draws 7amp.

 

[Rocco16V]

Whats the goal of the project? pw? power seats? better head lights? race car?
I like to have at least a ~90 amp. I usually try find a stock upgrade option to get there. even on my rocco with no ac, no power anything, no stereo. I do have 400w of H1/H4's though.

a smaller lighter lower amp alt is the way to go for a race/track car as it will draw less HP and isnt needed for luxuries.

 

[Hairball II]

Primarily race/fun car. No power seats and I wanted to use a mini for space/ weight reasons. Factory lighting, audio, etc.

 

[yodasfro]

Probably just needs a new VR under $20 if you shop around this pn# 704 54004 644 will get you what you are looking for
Reading material http://audi.humanspeakers.com/alternator.htm
Adjustable VR's http://www.davebarton.com/AdjustableVoltage.html

 

[Kliminati]

Some back info...

Last Saturday I swapped out the old starter for a rebuilt one then took the car for a drive. This was at night with the headlights on, I didn't notice any charging issues. Then on Sunday I powerwashed the motor. Afterwards I went for a drive and noticed the volts were slowly dropping. Then the battery dash light slowly lit up, it didn't just come on fully, it more lit like halfway and would get dimmer and brighter but never fully light up. Not sure if it had anything to do with the powerwashing but I didn't notice it until afterwards. I charged the battery on a float charger overnight and it charged to 12.79 volts. I also cleaned the connections and ground at the battery under the seats.

Is there anything I could have done or any specific place I should look for something caused by the powerwashing? Maybe messed with a ground or something, or maybe its just a coincidence in timing and the alternator was on its way out anyway...

 

[Kliminati]

and no Im not running any additional equipment except an aftermarket head unit. I was just thinking if replacement is necessary maybe an upgrade would make since at this time. With the AC on or when the radiator fan kicks on the dash lights dim

 

[littlegreek]

:wtf: Next time you go postal with the power washer,get plastic bags over the alt. and starter. :slap:

 

[Kliminati]

lol @ goin postal. true I normally do but in my defense i didnt really spray much down that way, more up on top. I would think driving through a heavy rain storm would do more to get them wet given their positions on the 200.

 

[Nickel_5000tq]

Maybe the alternator winding is damaged. Some wires are on copper, no varnish. The water short circuit some turn of copper wires.

 

[corradosic]

Don't forget about bearings,worn out alt. get bearing play and cause vibration,which can damage diodes.When Bosch rebuilds they zap the windings with voltage to check for shorts,change bearings,voltage reg,diodes,good as new.

 

[arbitris]

When I was a teenager adding amps and subs to cars I developed the habit of adding GM 1 wire alternators. I never had any lack of output from any of these.
You can buy a new one for around $200. If you can figure it out yourself you can buy a reman GM alternator for $60 and a self triggering self cancelling voltage regulator for around $20.

This is also very useful if you have another electrical issue you can't track down.

 

[dustin4kq]

anyone know if we have 28mm or 32mm slip rings on the 20010vturbo? I gotta try one of these.

 

[yodasfro]

28mm

 

[dustin4kq]

thankyou
adjustable regulators that is.

 

[audidrums]

Next time you go postal with the power washer,get plastic bags over the alt. and starter. :slap:

I've "gone postal" with a pressure washer numerous times my older Audis and never had an issue. I've never put a "condom" over the starter or alternator. Maybe I should? It's never been a problem though. I usually cover the distributor, or at least steer clear of it. I believe Justin is using a small electric pressure washer, so I think that unless he inadvertently pointed the wand directly at the alternator for more than a second or two, it's unlikely that is the cause of his car's symptoms.