Can a smaller alternator pulley help my idle?

Funanin

Founding Member

Nov 26, 2001

356

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Horsham, Pennsylvania

Dec 8, 2004

#1

• Dec 8, 2004

• #1

first of all my car sits because i dont have a license so i only go and start it every couple days but its getting colder out and i have to jump the battery sometimes if i let it go to long. When i do start it, i have to keep my foot on the gas for a while or it will stall out. I dont feel like adjusting the idle again because then it stays to high when the car is running normally. It kinda grunts and all the lights dim and it stalls out. So i figured if i put a smaller alternator pulley on it might help prevent it from stalling out? If anyone has any idea what im talking about feel free to say anything.

 

nito88stang

Founding Member

May 23, 2002

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Fullerton, California

Dec 8, 2004

#2

• Dec 8, 2004

• #2

Most likely not your alternator. Once batteries discharge they're never the same. Sounds more likely that your battery is on the fritz and not holding a charge. But an optima its worth the extra expense.

 

Funanin

Founding Member

Nov 26, 2001

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Horsham, Pennsylvania

Dec 8, 2004

#3

• Dec 8, 2004

• #3

i have an optima... yellow top. Its a little over a year old.

 

nito88stang

Founding Member

May 23, 2002

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Fullerton, California

Dec 8, 2004

#4

• Dec 8, 2004

• #4

it seems that you have more than enough alternator for you to have charging problems. Only thing i can tell you is to go get teh battery tested at your local auto parts store. If that checks out, take the alternator to get tested. Both are easy to take out and its free, better than throwing money at a prob

 

5spd GT

"the 5.0 owns all"

Founding Member

Aug 7, 2002

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Arkansas

Dec 8, 2004

#5

• Dec 8, 2004

• #5

I know I'm planning on putting on an overdrive pulley on my 3g alternator...to further my "gains"...

Yep...check your battery/alternator at your local mechanics shop or parts store...

I know ASP makes overdrive pulleys for the fox alternators and the 3g's...they around $20 bucks...also summitracing is a carrier of those ASP's...

 

Funanin

Founding Member

Nov 26, 2001

356

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Horsham, Pennsylvania

Dec 8, 2004

#6

• Dec 8, 2004

• #6

cool

 

Soupy

New Member

Nov 23, 2004

76

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Rhode Island

Dec 8, 2004

#7

• Dec 8, 2004

• #7

If you have a multimeter, you can check the "incoming" charge to the battery. Just put the leads directly on the battery terminals. If your meter is set to the correct range, it should be at least 14 volts (14.6 I think).
Good Luck.

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

43,258

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Massachusetts

Dec 8, 2004

#8

• Dec 8, 2004

• #8

Get a meter and test it.

Anything over 12volts at idle is a charge. ANything less is losing power. If you blip the gas a bit, you should get 13.6+ volts. If that is what is happening and you do not charge at idle, yes you need an overdrive alt pulley.

Keep in mind starting a car and letting it idle every 2 weeks is not a good way to charge the battery. You really need to drive the car.

Every time you deep cycle a battery (kill it) it loses it's ability to hold a charge. If you load tested it, i bet the battery is crap .

DO NOT buy a new battery until you are ready to start driving the car frequently...otherwise the same thing will happen.

 

Funanin

Founding Member

Nov 26, 2001

356

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0

Horsham, Pennsylvania

Dec 9, 2004

#9

• Dec 9, 2004

• #9

ok thanks... the yellow top optima tends to hold a charge for about a week after I let the car run a while then it wont start again. But I mean when i drive the car every day I would think it would be fine... I have one of those boost starter things too so w/e I dont feel like payin another 200 bucks for a battery already.