i just got a 160 amp alternator and am wondering how do i check to see if it truly puts out 160 amps?

 

It won't do that at idle... that's for sure...

 

You would have to connect it to a ammeter and then drive around and see what goes on.

 

The only practical way to check for 160 amps of output is with an inductive ammeter and creating 160 amps worth of load with the alternator turning at the rated RPMs for max output.

 

dont some parts stores have things that test alternators.

 

Battery places do. But rarely will they have a loadbank that can dissipate 160 amps. Takes a big unit to do that. Try an alternator shop or an RV shop. Most parts shops that sell batteries and alternators will have a little clamp on hand held unit that can tell you if a car battery is good. But to properly test big batteries and big alternators the units I've used are roll around consoles with huge heat sinks on carbon load banks. 'Spensive stuff...

There *is* a way you can test this at home.
Get a good voltmeter connected to the battery.
Get a pile of fog/driving lights and some wire. A 55 watt light draws 4.6 amps, a 100 watt light draws 8.3 amps. Set the idle (use vice grips or something on the throttle cable) at the rpm that the alternator output is rated at. Start adding lights and watch the voltmeter. When the voltage drops below 13.2 the battery is no longer being charged. Add up the wattage of all the lights, divide by 12 and that's how many amps the alternator could supply.

 

I would just like to add that if you're asking us how to test the rated capacity of an alternator then you probably shouldn't be doing it yourself. Call around and find a shop with a Snap-on VAT40 or equivalent heavy load tester.

 

^^ an added note, the machines at advanced auto are up to 150amp loadbank testing units. but... they only go up to 2000rpms on the actual pulley.

 

Just curious, where did you get a 160 amp alternator? I want one :-)

 

i got it on ebay, it was made by ace alternators, its just a re wound stock alternator.

 

You could try the place that I got my 200 Amp from.
http://www.excessiveamperage.com/
Direct bolt on and the only mod I needed to make was a large guage wire directly from the alt to the battery to handle the new load. Other than that, thats it !

 

94-RUNNER how much did that bad boy run you? I was looking at the GM 140amp alt mod/install, but if this is plug and play, that might be the way to go.

 

295.00 with shipping.
The only problem with some of the GM alternator's are that the rear bearing is left open and exposed and are prone to easy damage by dirt and mud that could easily leave you stranded. I have had very good service with my Excessive Amp Alt and with the winch that I use very often I am very pleased with it's performance. Talk to Nathan, he is the owner and will be very glad to take care of you

 

295? HMM thats a tough call. I could almost get two Optima Yellows and an AC Delco alternator(with my discount) from work for that price. 200 amps tho, thats pimp-a-

 

Sorry to hijack the thread 85TurboRunner. Just take the rig to any autoparts store and see what the amperage output is. OR take the alternator to a rebuild shop and see what it puts out, they should be able to bench test it.