So I just get to start driving my car yesterday because I've been doing some work on it. My problem is that when I drive around town and my electric fan turns on it takes all the power. So then my cd player goes quiet and fuzzy.
I take it my alternator can't give enough power to power both.
Anyone have any solutions.

 

Get a 2nd gen alternator.

Remember, the stock stereo system was designed to use no more than 30 (?) amps or so. Most modern systems try and put that in ONE channel...

 

My friend parchased a Advance Auto alternator for his TII that was 110 AMPS!!!! And the stock are rated for like 70. Check them out for FB's

 

An electric fan shouldnt cause that much strain on the system...What kinda fan is it? Have you had your alternator checked? Is the battery good/new? Could it be electrical interference guys?

~T.J.

 

Definitely test your alternator.

Might also be a good idea to check your electrical fan ground, run some additional grounds and a parallel output from your alternator to your +ve battery terminal.
(The latter worked really well for me).

If it turns out to be your alternator you can use a fc alternator (Series 4 ~ 60A Series 5 ~ 80A, FD ~100A) if you like.

<F>

 

yes, switch to s5. i did and it's great.

 

are you running the electric fan directly to the battery, or do you have it ran through a relay?

 

my electric fan is going through a relay.

Is the alternator on a first gen the same as anything else. (mazda 626, 323, or any gm alternator)

 

ohh ya and the fan is a permacool 16"

 

Check the voltage drop across the battery ground cable. I've fixed a whole bunch of electric problems on cars by replacing the ground cable. If you wanna get fancy use arc welding cable from a welding shop - guaranteed to be lowest resistance. A surprising small drop on the ground (1 to 1.5 volts) causes all kinds of problems, like even the starter mightnot turnover.

B