a few halogen questions

[bmcecosse]

[jimbo6543]

Hello. I'm new to the forum, and I'm Jimbo. We run a standard '68 four door to which I have fitted halogens. The battery does seem to suffer, though I think it did before they were fitted. Even so, 22 amps should be adequate with the headlamps increase of merely 1 to 1.5 amps, shouldn't it? We never run lights, wipers and heater simultaneously. My wife is keen to keep the dynamo fitted, and I have ordered LED front sidelights, so that we can use these as "driving lights". We rarely drive at night. I have a battery optimiser currently attached, which I don't mind doing every week or two, and the car does about 50 miles per week. Can I avoid fitting an alternator?

[bmcecosse]

Halogen lights use LESS current than the sealed beams that would be on your car. The dynamo will EASILY cope - unless in town traffic with much idling, in which case - switch the headlights off. LED sides will make no worthwhile difference. Tighten the fan belt - actually - better to fit a new one - and an ammeter.

[aupickup]

alternator is a worthwhile upgrade

[bmcecosse]

Indeed - but not essential... The dynamo is extremely reliable - just needing new brushes every 20 years or so......