Engine Electrical Question

[afp]

I have noticed that when I start my truck up cold, it takes a while for the alternator to start charging. For about a minute or so, the voltage about 11.5 on the gauge, the it jumps up to 14.5ish. Obviously, the alternator isn't coming on line when the engine is cold. When I start a warm engine, it seems to come on line much faster.

Anyone else notice this?

Blaine

[FirstDiesel]

Yup, it's normal. It's not the alternator but the load on it that's causing it. There are the glow plugs and the heater in the air intake causing a load. When it's a warm engine the glows and the heater aren't on or are on for a much shorter time.

[afp]

Wow, I didn't realize there was that much load from the glow plugs and intake heater. It also makes sense that when warm, it's a shorter period of time. Thanks!

Blaine