My alternator just went bad so I am changing it out. I never inspected it before exchanging it in for my core charge. So i am unsure if it was worn brushes. Anyways I was wondering if a stereo system puts alot of strain on the alt. I am guessing that it does but I also have a Lightening Strike Capacitor (1 faraud). I am running a Kicker ZR240 on 2 MTX 10s. Is the cap helping? Just wanting to get some ideas.

Another question about the cap. It came with the recharge card do I ever need to check/recharge the thing? Anyone have any insight. TIA

 

There are a lot of opinions on adding capacitors to audio systems. On really high power systems they can help protect against transient voltage drop which keeps your amps from clipping (which saves your speakers from damage) You're not really pulling a lot of power though so I doubt you could notice a difference. Id can't hurt though. As for your alternator question, Yes, the stereo system does put a lot of load on the alt and could be the source of the failure.

The most worthwhile upgrade you can make is to replace all the cables in the power supply from the alternator. You probably already have done that from the battery to your amp (4 gauge or better ) now replace the cable from the amp to the fuse box and fuse box to the battery (again, 4 gauge or better) 4 gauge will just fit into the slots in the fuse box and it looks pretty tight to have all that nice shiny red cable everywhere . You should also run a ground cable from the battery ground point to the alternator bracket bolt using the same gauge wire. Now you have completed the current loop and are getting the best possible performance out of the system. Not only will this help the stereo but it will also improve the ignition and the starter. You will notice a difference

As for the "recharge card" I haven't a clue what you are talking about. A capacitor doesn't require a 'charge' its not like a battery and it doesn't require any service. Think of a cap as a pressure storage tank. That's perhappse the best functional annology that I can think of.

Hope this helps

Mike

 

A cap does help a lot, as for what you are reffering to as a recharge card, its more like the card that actually initializes the cap. For instance you only use it the one time to actually get it to work when you install it. And believe me a sound system does drain on your alternator. I suggest that you also upgrade your battery to an OPTIMA that will really help and if you notice that your lights dim with the bass at night then you might also want to think about getting a high output alternator.

 

The charge card is most likely a resistor that you use to charge the cap with initially, and also to discharge. Most come with a resistor.

 

Yeah, stereo systems put a load on the alternator. Any time the car is running, the alternator supplies all the juice to the car. The more load on the alternator, the faster it is going to break down. Also, don't listen to the stereo system with the car off, unless you have a second battery dedicated to the stereo system. If you do, the battery will die prematurely. As for the cap question, the card is used to charge the cap. You can also use a 1k ohm resistor to charge it.

 

Cool thanks for all the information guys. I charged the Cap before I installed it. I will probably check it with my multi-meter to see how many volts its holding. Thanks again


[Modified by Phat_Optimo, 10:05 AM 12/14/2002]