battery question

[babycakes]

I have a 1983 rebuilt c/i argo. my question is, will the lights drain the battery?
Thanks!

[racerone3]

if the engine has the proper charging system (typically about 16 amp) and it is in good working order, then it should be able to maintain the charge in the battery while running the stock headlights and tail lights (if equipped).

[thebuggyman1]

That's really not a battery question, it's an engine question.
"Will the alternator in the motor charge at a high enough rate to keep the battery charged while using the headlights"
The answer is maybe. At idle it will not, but at higher RPM's that will depend on how many and what type lights(amp draw), and the amp output of the alternator.
Stock factory lights will likely have a draw of about 5 amps, and motors of that time often had 10 amp alternators. But that is just a guess.

[babycakes]

It has a 17hp Kohlar.

[newargoowner]

it problemly has the 15amp charging system. are you having issues? I would verify that it is charging correctly. does it have a voltmeter? it should be showing 13+ volts at full throttle. These charging systems are made to max charge at 3600rpm(full throttle). are you adding more lights than the just stock headlights?

[chris davison]

12 volts x 15 amps gives you 180 watts max to draw upon. What is the watts of the head lights and the tail lights? Then the engine is going to use some of that to run. Here are some thoughts charge the batt during the day so you can run bigger lights at night, install a larger battery with more amp hours. Remember a car battery can be run down to 50% and still recover but a rechargable RV or marine battery can be run down to 25% and still recover. do the math a 100 amp hour battery can be run 100 amps draw for 1 hour or 1 amp for 100 hrs to dead now cut that in 1/2 for a car battery to 50% dead.

[babycakes]

I haven't had it out at night, but now that winter is here I maybe using it more after dark. I had just read a couple of older argos having charging problems due to the use of head lights. I'm going to put the tracks on this week and try it out at night. I guess I'll find out soon enough whether there is a problem or not?
Thanks a lot for all your input Guys! Its good to know that there are always ones ready to help us new babies!

[Jeff t-boss]

Run your engine at 1/2 -3/4 throttle with the lights on and take a voltage reading with a multimeter/dvom across the battery terminals. As long as you get a reading of 13.6-14 volts, your charging system will keep up with the draw from the lights.

[Newfieguy]

If your worried about current draw switch to LEDS. Very bright over stock and draws much less current. Check out mine on youtube, google "hunt4fish2"

[babycakes]

Wow! I;m getting me a pair!
Thanks!

[Newfieguy]

Yeah they are a great improvement over the originals. I have some other vids there as well of a few thing i am after doing to my Argo.