Ok, im not really sure what an alternator is/does, i believe its something to do with using the mechanics of the engine to recharge the battery electrically...? Anyway, it was brought up the other day that if your putting a lot of strain on your battery with electrical and audio gear you need to make sure your alternator is going ok.

Now im just wondering, does an alternator just work or not work, or does it get worn with age. Would you benefit from changing/upgrading your alternator if you are running a high audio system? Are alternators specific for a magna or are there 'aftermarket' ones?

... discuss :)

yea your right, an alternator pretty ,much converts mechanical energy (physical movement) into electrical energy. And it does pretty much just work/or not work. If its starting to wear out your happy little battery indicator will flash up.
Getting a new one while your current one is working fine isnt needed.. and you'll need one that fits on the specific car.. so there are no generic alternators around.

the more strain you put on the alternator, the harder the engine works.. but theres a limit to how much current it can provide.

The alternator converts the mechanical energy of the spinning motor into an electrical current to drive the onboard electronics. The battery is only used when the car is off and for starting, otherwise all systems should run off the power supplied by the alternator. Any excess power goes into recharging the battery while you drive. If your alternator can't generate enough juice to drive your fully sik subs and amps then the battery will make up the difference if it can, and gradually go flat, otherwise you'll get headlights dimming and whatnot.

edit: Too quick for me, Gerard :(

ah k awsome guys. ta.

And if your putting too much strain on your alternator, it will make a high pitched wining sound, kinda like some turbos. :bowrofl:

WTB: pre-strained alternator to suit 95 TS exec?