Thread: Disco 1 V8 Alternator question

Hi all,
I have a 1995 Disco V8, and need to know if my alternator can handle the following load.

I am running 1 set of IPFs (130w x 2), 1 set of Cibies (100w x 2), 1 set of smaller spotlights on the roof bar (55w x 2), and a hand held lightforce spotlight 130w, plus the factory high beams. Is this too much for the alternator to handle, and if so what is the solution (all these are only on for a few hours at low speed and low RPM while hunting at night).

Cheers
Leon

What's your alternator output? It should be in the handbook. I'm guessing it will be less than 100 amps (the output of a Series 2 Disco V8 alternator) and that will be with the engine at 3000rpm (since most alternators are rated at that engine speed for Landrovers).

Your light load adds up to 69 amps (830 watts/12volts=69A), then you have to add in the extra used by the engine, ecu etc. With the engine running at low speed, I'd say you're probably exceeding the alternator by a fair margin and running down your battery. Do that for long enough and things will come to a halt.

Could you perhaps do without one of those sets of lights?


Paul [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]