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Old 05-17-2011, 09:22 PM
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DAVID GAGNARD DAVID GAGNARD is offline
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Location: MARKSVILLE,LA.,,
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mattpatt View Post
After starting the engine (new cobra - not driven yet) the amp meter reads between 10 and 25 amps depending on the state of charge of the battery. I've checked everywhere for low resistance to ground, etc. (thanks, Blas for your help) and everything looks right. The alternator is putting out 14.8 volts (perfect). I checked the amp meter and it is reading correctly. I've pretty much narrowed the problem (if it is a problem) to the Optima Red Top battery. Has anyone had this problem or is it normal?
I'm thinking once the car is started,running your ignition system (MSD or otherwise) and an electric fan, 10+ amp draw would be normal, depending on what else electrical you have on at the time, 25 amp draw is not out of the question......You may not have a problem... before you go buying another battery, pull the one off your daily driver and try it and compare the results.......
As bob said, once started, an alternator only produces the amps needed to maintain the draw on the battery..

David
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Last edited by DAVID GAGNARD; 05-17-2011 at 09:26 PM..
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