Alternator shorts out on dip stick - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bill8333 · 12-19-2007, 07:02 PM

OK I know this can't be normal. I have a 1972 1/2 ton 4x4 with factory P/S and P/B. Today when I went to check the oil for the first time, (I haven't had it all that long) the dipstick hit the nut on the back of the alternator and a big spark flew off of it. Now I know I can change the belt so that it doesn't line up with the dipstick tube but this can't be normal, or can it. Anyone with a picture please send one so I can see what's wrong.

Thanks up front. Bill

89 crew · 12-19-2007, 07:06 PM

I would say your dipstick tube is twisted. sorry no pics to send.

dan42 · 12-19-2007, 07:14 PM

Yeah, I think you can just twist the base back around. As far as I know, the tubes are just pressed in anyways.

68K20 x Drill · 12-20-2007, 02:34 PM

The alternator is supposed to have a rubber sock over that wire, I'm pretty sure the parts store has it.

mothertrucker424 · 12-20-2007, 06:06 PM

don't feel bad i almost do that every time i thought it was factory??

bill8333 · 12-23-2007, 03:56 PM

Thanks Guys I knew I could count on y'all for the answer. By the way It does have the rubber boot on it but the P/O installed a wire that goes to the top of the alternator looks like it was a two post pug type and he installed one wire going to the post to one side of the two plug. Is this an up grade or a F up.

Thanks

bill8333 · 12-23-2007, 05:47 PM

Still need some help. I looked at the alternator today and found out that the regulator is still oon the radiator support and is still hooked up. Did the PO change the charging system over to a internal regulator ?? if so wouldn't the regulator on the support be modified in some way ??. The system is charging but the gage in the truck doesn't work.

Any ideas Thanks Bill

PrerunnerRob · 12-23-2007, 06:37 PM

There are both internal and externally regulated alternators, how many wires attac to it?

bill8333 · 12-23-2007, 07:50 PM

Looks like there is only one wire on the back side of it then from there they ran a wire up to a pug on the side of it.

Bill

12-19-2007, 07:02 PM	#1
bill8333 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 89	Alternator shorts out on dip stick OK I know this can't be normal. I have a 1972 1/2 ton 4x4 with factory P/S and P/B. Today when I went to check the oil for the first time, (I haven't had it all that long) the dipstick hit the nut on the back of the alternator and a big spark flew off of it. Now I know I can change the belt so that it doesn't line up with the dipstick tube but this can't be normal, or can it. Anyone with a picture please send one so I can see what's wrong. Thanks up front. Bill __________________ 1972 K-10 L/B 4x4 Matching #'s 350 4 speed from the factory. P/S P/B 1981 GMC 1/2 L/B 4x4 one owner truck. 4" lift 2004 Dodge Cummins Diesel 4x4 Q/C S/B 1986 Dodge D150 L/B 2WD

12-19-2007, 07:06 PM	#2
89 crew Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 865	Re: Alternator shorts out on dip stick I would say your dipstick tube is twisted. sorry no pics to send.

12-19-2007, 07:14 PM	#3
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: Alternator shorts out on dip stick Yeah, I think you can just twist the base back around. As far as I know, the tubes are just pressed in anyways. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

12-20-2007, 02:34 PM	#4
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: Alternator shorts out on dip stick The alternator is supposed to have a rubber sock over that wire, I'm pretty sure the parts store has it. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

12-20-2007, 06:06 PM	#5
mothertrucker424 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: st pete Posts: 404	Re: Alternator shorts out on dip stick don't feel bad i almost do that every time i thought it was factory??

12-23-2007, 03:56 PM	#6
bill8333 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 89	Re: Alternator shorts out on dip stick Thanks Guys I knew I could count on y'all for the answer. By the way It does have the rubber boot on it but the P/O installed a wire that goes to the top of the alternator looks like it was a two post pug type and he installed one wire going to the post to one side of the two plug. Is this an up grade or a F up. Thanks __________________ 1972 K-10 L/B 4x4 Matching #'s 350 4 speed from the factory. P/S P/B 1981 GMC 1/2 L/B 4x4 one owner truck. 4" lift 2004 Dodge Cummins Diesel 4x4 Q/C S/B 1986 Dodge D150 L/B 2WD

12-23-2007, 05:47 PM	#7
bill8333 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 89	Re: Alternator shorts out on dip stick Still need some help. I looked at the alternator today and found out that the regulator is still oon the radiator support and is still hooked up. Did the PO change the charging system over to a internal regulator ?? if so wouldn't the regulator on the support be modified in some way ??. The system is charging but the gage in the truck doesn't work. Any ideas Thanks Bill __________________ 1972 K-10 L/B 4x4 Matching #'s 350 4 speed from the factory. P/S P/B 1981 GMC 1/2 L/B 4x4 one owner truck. 4" lift 2004 Dodge Cummins Diesel 4x4 Q/C S/B 1986 Dodge D150 L/B 2WD

12-23-2007, 06:37 PM	#8
PrerunnerRob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Jose Posts: 847	Re: Alternator shorts out on dip stick There are both internal and externally regulated alternators, how many wires attac to it?

12-23-2007, 07:50 PM	#9
bill8333 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 89	Re: Alternator shorts out on dip stick Looks like there is only one wire on the back side of it then from there they ran a wire up to a pug on the side of it. Bill __________________ 1972 K-10 L/B 4x4 Matching #'s 350 4 speed from the factory. P/S P/B 1981 GMC 1/2 L/B 4x4 one owner truck. 4" lift 2004 Dodge Cummins Diesel 4x4 Q/C S/B 1986 Dodge D150 L/B 2WD



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