Re:Battery Voltage

For anyone interested...or for future reference...

The new alternator appears to have revived my Jimny.

Before replacement of the alternator, the car consistently got around 180-200 miles per tank. I put this down to an aftermarket metal bumper and some 235/75/15 heavy mud tyres and accepted it.

I change the alternator before I set off on a trip from Swansea to Newcastle - some 360 miles (720 total miles return). Noteworthy that the car also has a dual battery setup and a 13,500 lbs winch - I say this as I have technically added around 40kg to the front end (which I assumed would further hurt my mpg).

The car drove superb - it was holding 5th gear better, it held 70mph easily (previously very tiresome), it was responsive on the throttle and best of all, I measured my mileage per tank at 240! That worked out around 27 mpg! I am completely blown over by this - it's not a record by any stretch, but a hell of an improvement! I have no real idea why this might be, but a guess at a stronger spark? Less resistance from a new alternator? No idea... but I like it.

Long runs always give you better mileage than pottering around town just because you're operating in the peak efficiency of the car for extended periods. Also a good motorway run will clean up the internal components of your engine especially if you're using a branded fuel with a good detergent package as again everything is running at operating temperature for a long period. It's effectively an Italian tune up and the car will feel better for it for months afterwards. The other contributing factor is definitely the alternator being healthy again, a big fat spark is always a good thing. It feels good when you work on your car and it improves doesn't it!

Lambert wrote: Long runs always give you better mileage than pottering around town

The best bit about it is the 180-200 was measured on the motorway too! I got those figures from my last two trips from Newcastle -> Swansea. I wouldn't want to know what I get pottering around town! :lol: :lol:

I also noted the car isn't drinking a whole load of oil now...I wonder if the catalytic converter was a bit blocked? I dunno...pulling guesses out my bum now.

It's all certainly going to help, less load on the engine due to the efficiency of the working alternator and better exhaust flow. It's got to be breathing more easily, so is going to feel more frisky !
Good to know it's money not wasted, may even pay back if the improvement continues.
Mike

Dang only just joined this forum and came across this article,my jimny is a 2000 model with electrical gremlins ,I'll be checking this one out, thanks

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Thanks for the heads up about the alternator checked mine, 11v at idle to 15v revved up put new one in,different car, old one is a denso maybe original?20 year's old ,found coolant leek as well, cheers

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