What voltage should I expect? | FerrariChat

What voltage should I expect?

Discussion in '308/328' started by GrigioGuy, Nov 30, 2024.

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  1. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 26, 2001
    33,120
    E ' ' '/ F
    Full Name:
    Snike Fingersmith
    87 328. I've had intermittent starting issues so I recently replaced the 6-year old battery. So far so good, but I wanted to check the charging. I get 13.8 using a cigarette lighter adapter. I see 14+ on my more modern cars. Is this 13.8 ok?


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  2. lopena

    lopena Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2003
    759
    13.8 volts is plenty good…find something else to worry about.

    Alan
    N.J.
     
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  3. 26street

    26street Formula Junior

    Jan 30, 2021
    467
    Westchester New York
    Full Name:
    Mark k
    yes 13.8 volts at the plug is fine, remember there will be a voltage drop through the system, you should be checking the voltage at the battery, put a meter across the battery terminals and see what you have there.
     
  4. jimmyr

    jimmyr Formula Junior

    Oct 10, 2004
    342
    Scottsdale, AZ
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    Jim
    Ditto what 26 St said, that voltage drop is normal when checking at the lighter socket, always measure like said at the battery only for a true reading of system performance. Expect about 14.2 volts or so at a fast idle at the battery.
     
  5. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,799
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
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    Steve Magnusson
    +1 -- it's only much newer cars that get up to 14.2~14.4V.
     
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  6. 26street

    26street Formula Junior

    Jan 30, 2021
    467
    Westchester New York
    Full Name:
    Mark k
    if you have access to an AMP clamp tester, put it on the battery cable with full electrical load and see if the alt is putting out should be close to what the AMP rating is for your alt.

    Ferrari uses the frame as a ground so there will be a voltage drop back to the battery; I ran a cable from engine block to battery i get better starter response with lower amps. after running the cable, a lot of little electrical Germinals stop popping up.
     
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  7. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 26, 2001
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    Snike Fingersmith
    Thanks to everyone, I appreciate the responses.
     
  8. jimmyr

    jimmyr Formula Junior

    Oct 10, 2004
    342
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Full Name:
    Jim
    All Ferraris from the Daytona and earlier have a heavy braid from the battery negative to the block and another from the bell housing to the frame. This helps keep that voltage drop to a minimum.
     
  9. 26street

    26street Formula Junior

    Jan 30, 2021
    467
    Westchester New York
    Full Name:
    Mark k
     

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