new alternator? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

greasemonkey · 02-25-2004, 06:19 PM

I'm pretty sure my alternator's going out. All my lights dim and flicker at lower RPMs, and just recently there is this really annoying high-pitched squeal coming from it.
I really don't care if it is a one-wire setup, I just need a new one. From doing a search, I have found that everyone thinks that internally regulated ones are the best.
What's a good replacement, maybe higher output alternator to get? Should I just go to the parts store and ask the dude behind the counter (that's what worries me, some of those guys will sell you anything, even if it isn't for your car

).
Thanks everyone.
John

67chevemall · 02-25-2004, 06:22 PM

Get it running and take the ground off the Bat. if she dies the alt is dead! Get a internal reg one for sure!
Cheers

lukecp · 02-25-2004, 06:32 PM

If it goes dead when you remove the + battery cable take it into the parts store and they will test it free. If it is OK your voltage regulator is proably shot, and it only costs $12 or so to replace.

My lights also dim at idle, and if i have the high beams, heater fan, and windshield wipers all on at once at idle everything works pretty slowly. I am running the old style externaly regulated alternator. But besides that it works fine.

dinnut · 02-25-2004, 06:45 PM

check with ragenrat. he used a 84 amp int. reg alt from an 84 camaro. he said the improvement is unbeleivable

69K10 Tank · 02-25-2004, 09:58 PM

I just did a similar swap. A friends dad gave me an alternator he had laying around. I think it's a 97amp and it really is a great swap. But look around this site, it'll tell you what you want to know. http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...elcoremy.shtml

greasemonkey · 02-26-2004, 09:57 PM

Thanks for the link 69K10 Tank. It is a very helpful, well-written article.
The truck didn't die when I took the battery cable off, but I think I will get a newer higher amp one now anyway so I won't have to mess with it later. I am looking at the Powermaster 100 and 140 amp Delco alternators at Summit. I plan to keep the 3 wire setup. Any suggestions on which alternator is the best?

02-25-2004, 06:19 PM	#1
greasemonkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Pace, FL Posts: 2,155	new alternator? I'm pretty sure my alternator's going out. All my lights dim and flicker at lower RPMs, and just recently there is this really annoying high-pitched squeal coming from it. I really don't care if it is a one-wire setup, I just need a new one. From doing a search, I have found that everyone thinks that internally regulated ones are the best. What's a good replacement, maybe higher output alternator to get? Should I just go to the parts store and ask the dude behind the counter (that's what worries me, some of those guys will sell you anything, even if it isn't for your car ). Thanks everyone. John __________________ 1942 Master Deluxe 1969 C/10 1985 Blazer CUCV 1987 Jimmy 2004 Tahoe 2005 Silverado 1500 2005 Silverado 3500

02-25-2004, 06:22 PM	#2
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Get it running and take the ground off the Bat. if she dies the alt is dead! Get a internal reg one for sure! Cheers __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

02-25-2004, 06:32 PM	#3
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	If it goes dead when you remove the + battery cable take it into the parts store and they will test it free. If it is OK your voltage regulator is proably shot, and it only costs $12 or so to replace. My lights also dim at idle, and if i have the high beams, heater fan, and windshield wipers all on at once at idle everything works pretty slowly. I am running the old style externaly regulated alternator. But besides that it works fine. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

02-25-2004, 06:45 PM	#4
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	check with ragenrat. he used a 84 amp int. reg alt from an 84 camaro. he said the improvement is unbeleivable __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

02-25-2004, 09:58 PM	#5
69K10 Tank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Olypmia, Wa Posts: 49	I just did a similar swap. A friends dad gave me an alternator he had laying around. I think it's a 97amp and it really is a great swap. But look around this site, it'll tell you what you want to know. http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...elcoremy.shtml __________________ Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war 69 K-10, 350, sm465, T221, 33" BFG A/T, drums all around (soon to be discs)

02-26-2004, 09:57 PM	#6
greasemonkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Pace, FL Posts: 2,155	Thanks for the link 69K10 Tank. It is a very helpful, well-written article. The truck didn't die when I took the battery cable off, but I think I will get a newer higher amp one now anyway so I won't have to mess with it later. I am looking at the Powermaster 100 and 140 amp Delco alternators at Summit. I plan to keep the 3 wire setup. Any suggestions on which alternator is the best? __________________ 1942 Master Deluxe 1969 C/10 1985 Blazer CUCV 1987 Jimmy 2004 Tahoe 2005 Silverado 1500 2005 Silverado 3500



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