| Author |
Message |
Ric Rainbolt (Ricrain)
Junior Member
Username: Ricrain
Post Number: 171
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 03, 2002 - 5:40 pm: | |
That mechanical fuel system uses two electric fuel pump at 10-15A each. At the time the 'i' boxers came out, 55A-65A alternators were "state of the art". After accounting for the pumps, there simply wasn't enough surplus generation left over to run the lights, heater, etc. |
David Feinberg (Fastradio2)
Junior Member
Username: Fastradio2
Post Number: 73
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 03, 2002 - 4:42 am: | |
Correct...
The BBi does have two 55 amp alternators.
As to why two, a couple of theories here. Possibly because they had a surplus remaining from the 365/512 build, and they're Bosch units from an early Fiat. Or, at that time, they didn't have a supplier for a compact, high output alternator...or just a bit of reducdancy for reliability purpose (I think not..).
Although the fi system is mechanical in its fuel measuring capabilities, the fuel pump does draw considerable current. Couple that with the headlights, digiplex...and fans, and the output of a 55 amp alternator does not provide enough current reserve at lower RPM to charge the battery.
Regards,
David |
Henryk (Henryk)
New member
Username: Henryk
Post Number: 39
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 02, 2002 - 8:21 pm: | |
I just had my 83 Boxer BBi delivered this past weekend. Why are there two alternators? Someone stated that it was because of the power was needed by the fuel injection unit......but it is mechanical, so why would it need power?
The dash has 2 separate battery warning lites. The car does have A/C, and PW, but, this is usually taken care of with only one alternator, in most cars. This is the first time I have seen two.
The service manual states that they are each, 55A.
Thanks |
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