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MG MGB Technical - alternator for air conditioning

I have a 1966 MGB-GT that is all stock. I am planning to install air conditioning. My question is what the output of the alternator should be to support an air conditioning system. Is a 45 amp enough, or should I go higher?
Thanks in advance for your comments

Michael
M.E. Whalen

The modern compressors, used today, don't require anywhere near the power of the older units. The 43 amp alternator should be more than sufficient. I have one on my '67 that is running a supercharger. RAY
rjm RAY

Suck it and see. If you find the system voltage drops below 12.8v at a fast idle or higher, then compare the voltage at the alternator terminals with that elsewhere say at the fusebox. If the alternator voltage is OK then the problem is with the wiring or connections not being man enough to handle the increased current. If the alternator output is low, then either it has a problem reducing its maximum output or it isn't man enough for your A/C. Difficult to check the actual current as most home-use multi-meters top-out at 10 amps.
PaulH Solihull

This thread was discussed between 09/09/2010 and 10/09/2010

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