Thread: 14.2v or 14.7v regulator

Originally Posted by pawl

I'm replacing the Alternator regulator on the 300tdi disco and found one for Rangies/Discos that is 14.7v instead of the 14.2v mine currently is. As I will probably stick with the typical lead acid batterys should I stick to the 14.2v or will it be OK to go to the 14.7v regulator? And can I upgrade to the 120A reg instead of the 100A without any dramas?
Thanks

14.2V is kinder to older style batteries. Check with your battery maker to be sure.

Interesting, where do you get the regulators from?

14.7v isn't the best option for lead acid as it can tend to heat them too much.
However, upgrade to an AGM battery and it will be perfect for it. Some thing like a Supercharge Allrounder which will give you cranking and deep cycle. I have two in the Rangie and just leave it hooked up to a Ctek charger on "snow mode" which is a 14.7v charge.

Cheers

Andrew

Hi bee utey and Andrew, 14.2v is actually kinder on NEWER style batteries, particularly standard type AGMs like Fullriver.

Constantly charging any battery at 14,7v will have detrimental long term effects but OLDER flooded wet cell batteries actually have no problem working at 14.7v other than needing to regularly check the electrolyte levels.

Newer batteries actually prefer never to be charged at voltages above 14.4v, ( excluding Calcium/calcium batteries ).

So for simplicity sake, pawl, if you have a choice, go for the 14.2v reg then it won’t matter what type of battery you use.