Alternator Question
#1
Alternator Question
I have googled and searched this site. I can not tell if the Previous owner of my 1970 cutlass convertible has switched to an internally regulated Alternator or not?? so attached is a couple of pictures. Hopefully enough to identify. I believe the regulator either internal or external is going bad. The volts read all over the place. Over 16 to as low as 12. I need to know if new alternator or just an external regulator. I couldn't get it to act up when testing but it read 14.2 volts coming out of the alternator on my test.
#2
That type of electrical connector tells me there is an internal regulator in that alternator. Somebody could have changed the connector though.
Is there still an external voltage regulator on your firewall? Its about 3''X 3''X 2''deep and four wires coming out of it. Brown,blue,red and white in color.
Is there still an external voltage regulator on your firewall? Its about 3''X 3''X 2''deep and four wires coming out of it. Brown,blue,red and white in color.
#4
#5
for simplicity sake ... I have looked at that diagram 100 times in the past. So, can I assume. jumper the wire is the same as twisting the two ends together? I wouldnt do it like that, but is that what the diagram is saying? example twist the ends of the Blue and Brown wire together. Is the same as jumpering?
#7
for simplicity sake ... I have looked at that diagram 100 times in the past. So, can I assume. jumper the wire is the same as twisting the two ends together? I wouldnt do it like that, but is that what the diagram is saying? example twist the ends of the Blue and Brown wire together. Is the same as jumpering?
#8
The alternator in the picture is an internally-regulated alternator, but, as Joe says, you need to be sure that Bozo the Mechanic didn't connect the internally-regulated alternator to the external regulator.
- Eric
- Eric
#9
#10
what would happen if this was the case?? I have had the car for almost 2 years and a motor shop has even had the motor out and the voltage has always read the same on my cheapo rally gauges inside. Just today I noticed the voltage was pegged at 16 then it would drop to 12 and so on. So if the external was hooked up to the internal alternator. wouldn't I have had problems before now? Can I jumper the wires as a test to see if everything runs fine?
#11
If I were in your shoes...I would check wire connections first.
Its worked for two years so maybe its right.
Clean the connections, scotch brite etc. Specifically the connection at the horn relay, and the others. At that point I would record the voltage again. Go from there.
If I (me) still had problems I would take the alternator off and replace the voltage regulator inside. Which means taking the alternator apart. Not everyone wants to do that, depending on mechanical aptitudes and dealing with the brushes etc.
Easy way out..go get another alternator.
Its worked for two years so maybe its right.
Clean the connections, scotch brite etc. Specifically the connection at the horn relay, and the others. At that point I would record the voltage again. Go from there.
If I (me) still had problems I would take the alternator off and replace the voltage regulator inside. Which means taking the alternator apart. Not everyone wants to do that, depending on mechanical aptitudes and dealing with the brushes etc.
Easy way out..go get another alternator.
#12
It sounds like it's connected properly, but there is a problem, probably with the internal regulator, which, as noted, is cheap and easily replaced.
+1.
- Eric
#13
just put 50 or so miles on the car, stop and go traffic voltage stayed at 14. So, I guess It was just one of those Gremlins that I will lose sleep over and never know what really happened. I'm definitely going to investigate this internal and external regulators on this car see what I can come up with. Thanks everyone..
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September 30th, 2017 01:06 PM