Help Electrical Dummy - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Chevyholic · 02-19-2008, 09:01 AM

So, I can add new circuits and install all kinds of lighting and electrical services to my home, but haven't figured out how to transfer that knowledge to a car. Here's my problem/question:

How do you keep your lights from dimming and windshield wipers from slowing when going from running speed to idle? When I come to a stop and my wipers are on the slower speed they have a hard time even tracking across my windshield and will sometimes come to a complete stop due to the friction. Will an upgraded alternator help this problem? If a new alternator is the answer, any suggestions for a replacement? Mine is currently externally regulated, so I'd like to switch to internal, but see all kinds of options for amperage, but don't quite know how much is enough, or too much.

Thanks!

72swb_327stroker_? · 02-19-2008, 09:09 AM

minimum 100 amp powermaster or delco=120-200 bucks, a new battery would also help. red top optima=130-150 bucks, also run some relays for your headlights. 1 for each high and low beam, HUGE difference!!!!

cameeks · 02-19-2008, 09:26 AM

if you have a long water pump you can get an alt for a '84 Camaro 305. That is what I'm running now. I got mine at Orielly's with a life time warrenty for $85

sneakysnake · 02-20-2008, 01:01 AM

Make sure you have a good ground strap run to the cab.The flux you are getting is from the alt. output dropping when you idle but even if the alt. is weak the battery should sustain the voltage.So check grounding straps from battery to engine, frame and body.Is your battery in good shape? Not having to jump it off or anything. A bad battery can cause this too.

Chevyholic · 02-20-2008, 01:59 AM

I think the battery is ok. Simply meaning it starts right up every time. The ground from battery to the block is in good condition, but I will check the other straps and check the voltage of the battery with and without the lights/wipers on. Thanks!

neonlarry · 02-20-2008, 03:18 AM

Its mostly the voltage at the accessory your trying to use thats the problem. It gets kind of low after going thru all the ancient wiring not to mention an alternator that can barly keep up with the load.

463 · 02-20-2008, 03:26 AM

link:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=119379 help line 463

**VetteVet** · 02-20-2008, 03:26 AM

Here's a couple places to start. OK four

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=119379

http://www.6066gmcguy.org/charging.htm

http://www.chevelles.com/techref/tecref14.html

http://www.alternatorparts.com/cs130_sbpage1.htm

02-19-2008, 09:01 AM	#1
Chevyholic Will it run today? Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 272	Help Electrical Dummy So, I can add new circuits and install all kinds of lighting and electrical services to my home, but haven't figured out how to transfer that knowledge to a car. Here's my problem/question: How do you keep your lights from dimming and windshield wipers from slowing when going from running speed to idle? When I come to a stop and my wipers are on the slower speed they have a hard time even tracking across my windshield and will sometimes come to a complete stop due to the friction. Will an upgraded alternator help this problem? If a new alternator is the answer, any suggestions for a replacement? Mine is currently externally regulated, so I'd like to switch to internal, but see all kinds of options for amperage, but don't quite know how much is enough, or too much. Thanks! __________________ Jaws, the 1971 Chevy Cheyenne Longbed. She's big, grey, and has an insatiable appetite!

02-19-2008, 09:09 AM	#2
72swb_327stroker_? knuckle buster.. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Frisco Posts: 613	Re: Help Electrical Dummy minimum 100 amp powermaster or delco=120-200 bucks, a new battery would also help. red top optima=130-150 bucks, also run some relays for your headlights. 1 for each high and low beam, HUGE difference!!!!

02-19-2008, 09:26 AM	#3
cameeks Long Fleet Club Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Deer Park, TX Posts: 5,666	Re: Help Electrical Dummy if you have a long water pump you can get an alt for a '84 Camaro 305. That is what I'm running now. I got mine at Orielly's with a life time warrenty for $85 __________________ Chris Meeks '69 Chevy Custom/10 Long Bed <-- Thread of the work I did before selling. Truck is now finished to the new owners design and running around. I was shown some pictures of the finished product. At least it survived the junk yard. FAQ Index by Krue Site Vendors Subscribe Here Forum Rules

02-20-2008, 01:01 AM	#4
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Help Electrical Dummy Make sure you have a good ground strap run to the cab.The flux you are getting is from the alt. output dropping when you idle but even if the alt. is weak the battery should sustain the voltage.So check grounding straps from battery to engine, frame and body.Is your battery in good shape? Not having to jump it off or anything. A bad battery can cause this too.

02-20-2008, 01:59 AM	#5
Chevyholic Will it run today? Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 272	Re: Help Electrical Dummy I think the battery is ok. Simply meaning it starts right up every time. The ground from battery to the block is in good condition, but I will check the other straps and check the voltage of the battery with and without the lights/wipers on. Thanks! __________________ Jaws, the 1971 Chevy Cheyenne Longbed. She's big, grey, and has an insatiable appetite!

02-20-2008, 03:18 AM	#6
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	Re: Help Electrical Dummy Its mostly the voltage at the accessory your trying to use thats the problem. It gets kind of low after going thru all the ancient wiring not to mention an alternator that can barly keep up with the load. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

02-20-2008, 03:26 AM	#7
463 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sask Canada Posts: 1,666	Re: Help Electrical Dummy link:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=119379 help line 463

02-20-2008, 03:26 AM	#8
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	Re: Help Electrical Dummy Here's a couple places to start. OK four http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=119379 http://www.6066gmcguy.org/charging.htm http://www.chevelles.com/techref/tecref14.html http://www.alternatorparts.com/cs130_sbpage1.htm __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.



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