Power Mains Upgrade

[flint54]

Sooo, I don't know how to segue from one topic to the next, which is why

I've pasted here how the block drain topic morphed into current draw.

My plan is to upgrade all the power cables to 1AWG, and the vendor

suggests adding a new inline fuse to protect elements downstream of

an alternator with greater than OEM capacity, in my case 136A. My

observation of the FSM schematics for the PDC and for the charging

system show that fuses #8 and #16 perform that function today. They

are rated at 60 amps each, for a total limit of 120 amps. Being MAXI

fuses, they are available in 10 amp increments up to 100 amps. My

Scot genes suggest that I could simply increase those fuses to, say, 70

or 80 amp capacity and achieve the same protection as would be gained

by the additional separate inline fuse for a fraction the cost. Don, what

have I overlooked?

 

 

Startup on the 10-blade fans can jump up to 18A. 14A-15A is the norm. They run with a 6A-8A draw. I'm used 12AWG wiring and fuse both my fans at 20A/ea. No problems ever. :cheers:

 

_________________

-Don

 

91 Comanche LWB, AW4, Hesco 4.6L stroker, 4.09 D44 w. Trac-Loc, 3" lift, Power everything, Explorer disks, CHROME freak. ImageImageImage ROLL TIDE! Image

 

Thanks Don,

 

I was afraid they could pull nearly 20 amps. With two of those kicking on, plus headlights,

and whatever else is running, I could be nearing the limit of my poor old OEM alternator.

I think they're good for only, what, 65 amps total?

 

Tom

 

_________________

1992 Comanche Eliminator, SWB, 4wd, 4.0L, AX-15, 2nd owner

 

 

I think the biggest alternator available on the HOs was the HD 90A; most were 65A-75A. But since you have a 92, the Dodge/ZJ 136A NipponDenso alt below is a cheap and easy bolt-in swap. I did this swap awhile ago and it bolted right in w. no case grinding. Also upgraded my mains cables. It handles both fans, H4 Hella head lamps, A/C on, and full blower no problems. A good upgrade to do on the HOs.

 

 

_________________

-Don

 

91 Comanche LWB, AW4, Hesco 4.6L stroker, 4.09 D44 w. Trac-Loc, 3" lift, Power everything, Explorer disks, CHROME freak. ImageImageImage ROLL TIDE! Image

 

 

Good lead - thanks! I read somewhere that this alternator is

externally regulated, via the PCM. Hopefully the amperage

increase will pose no risk. Kelley's W.I.P. talks about adding

an inline fuse - did you do that also?

 

_________________

1992 Comanche Eliminator, SWB, 4wd, 4.0L, AX-15, 2nd owner

 

 

 

 

Yes, it's regulated by the ECU based on load demand and battery voltage sensing. Same way the 91-92 MJ HO alts are, and the V8 ZJs and Dodges the 134A alts came from.

 

Yes, I did add the inline ANL fuse (150A if I recall) along w. a set of Kelly's mains cables.

 

_________________

-Don

 

91 Comanche LWB, AW4, Hesco 4.6L stroker, 4.09 D44 w. Trac-Loc, 3" lift, Power everything, Explorer disks, CHROME freak. ImageImageImage ROLL TIDE! Image

[jeepdoggydogB]

I did this...

 

http://www.kelleyswip.com/electric.html