Simple question:

Can the alternator be over spun?

Lets say you switched from the stock crank pulley to a slightly larger OD (lets say 1/4" bigger) crank pulley. This would spin the alternator faster. Could this be harmful?

 

no

 

doubt it. Alternators monitor the battery voltage and can increase/decrease their load based on what the battery needs...if it's spinning faster, it'll just slightly reduce it's load. The one downside is that it'd probably wear out faster - bearings, brushes...

-Peter

 

Thanks for the info.

 

To protect AC compressor the clutch opens at ceratin rpms............at worst the extra rpm might reduce the bearing life in alternators, power steering, etc.