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<blockquote data-quote="ntsqd" data-source="post: 36092" data-attributes="member: 222">Maybe I misunderstand things, but if the voltage regulator is doing it's job the battery shouldn't ever 'boil.' As the battery's voltage comes up to the voltage regulator's limit, the alt can no longer 'force' more current into the battery. So the regulator tapers off the excitation voltage until, theoretically, the alt is freewheeling because the battery can do all of the work.The 'boiled' batteries I've seen were caused by one of two things or the combo of both, voltage regulator malfunction or old battery with low internal resistance (usually shorted plates).So I see a large charging current capable alternator sort of like having a big fuel tank. You may not always need to use it, but it's handy to have when you do need it.The general trend in late models is away from big batteries and towards high current capable alternators as one way to save weight. They size the battery just big enough to start the car, plus some Factor of Safety, and size the alternator to handle most of the draws.TSI used swerve around my halucinations, now I drive right thru them.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="ntsqd, post: 36092, member: 222"] Maybe I misunderstand things, but if the voltage regulator is doing it's job the battery shouldn't ever 'boil.' As the battery's voltage comes up to the voltage regulator's limit, the alt can no longer 'force' more current into the battery. So the regulator tapers off the excitation voltage until, theoretically, the alt is freewheeling because the battery can do all of the work. The 'boiled' batteries I've seen were caused by one of two things or the combo of both, voltage regulator malfunction or old battery with low internal resistance (usually shorted plates). So I see a large charging current capable alternator sort of like having a big fuel tank. You may not always need to use it, but it's handy to have when you do need it. The general trend in late models is away from big batteries and towards high current capable alternators as one way to save weight. They size the battery just big enough to start the car, plus some Factor of Safety, and size the alternator to handle most of the draws. TS I used swerve around my halucinations, now I drive right thru them. [/QUOTE]

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