High Amp Alternator Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

garedclay · 03-18-2006, 12:05 PM

Hey folks,

I upgraded to a Delco-Remy CS144 140 amp internally regulated alternator as the first step towards a dual battery setup. Next I've got a drivers side tray off a 72 gmc c20 camper ready to POR-15 so I can wire in a deep cell, some lights, stereo, and the story goes on and on. Before I do all that, I want to ride over to the Year One Braselton Bash this afternoon!

Before driving 40 miles over to there, I took the blazer out for a spin, drove a few miles, got her up to 65 mph. Once back at home, I found that the (flat not tube) 30 amp fuse between the alternator and the positive terminal post/junction on the inner fender is getting really hot to the touch (but not fried). It still slides in and out of the fuse housing with ease. I never noticed the heat before when I was running a 70 amp unit with external voltage regulator. I'm still using a 12 gauge wire from the alternator.

My questions for anyone that might assist me:

Do I have reason to be concerned? Is it okay for a fuse to be hot to the touch?

Do I need a larger gauge wire from the alternator?

I assume I keep the 30 amp fuse?

Thanks for any feedback you all can provide.

clay

Jimmy72custom · 03-18-2006, 02:26 PM

Heat is usually a sign of resistance. If the wire it self is not getting hot check fuse holder connections and fuse connection. Number ten wire wouldn’t hurt, it’s cheap. If you put in a multiple battery isolator make sure you get one that can handle the amps of the new alt. My 2 cents

teamradrz1 · 03-18-2006, 03:15 PM

MHO if you plan to put in a nice stereo and other electrical devices that you need a 140 amp alt you might as well wire it up with 4 gauge to get the most out of your system.

Burt4x4 · 03-20-2006, 11:28 AM

Ya I would run at least a 8g wire from the alt to the batt.

red71cheyenne · 03-23-2006, 12:55 PM

I put the same alternator in mine, but used 8ga wire to and from the battery and have not noticed a heat issue. Charges like mad though! Good luck, Jeff.

Musclerodz · 03-23-2006, 05:06 PM

You definitely need to up your wire size. I would go to 4 ga. myself.

Mike

garedclay · 03-25-2006, 07:45 AM

Thanks so much for the feedback, everyone. The car show was fun... made it there and back with no problem. I'm still going to use a large gauge wire as has been suggested. Hopefully I'll knock that out this weekend.

Over at Year One, there were quite a few 67-72 trucks... short and long fleetside and a stepper... but only GaRed representing the Blazer/Jimmy crowd.

Cheers, clay

(And yes... I know... this post is worthless without pics... but I didn't take my camera... doh!!!!)

JesEsterly · 03-31-2006, 04:59 PM

Found this thread via search.. Maybe someone can help me out with a very similar..or at least on these same lines..

Ive got a 350 (86 burb) with the delco 7372-3 alt I believe a 74 volt? Alt.. I was hoping to be able to find a high"er" output alt to go along with the isolator Im adding, but Advance Auto told me that the only upgrade I can do is to the 94 volt alt..

I want sep. batteries for #1 to run the burb, #2 to run aux lights/ amp, cb/ winch.. just dont think my 70's volt alt is enough.. but nothing available for a 350 with A/C over 94 volts? Only reacon I could think was a clearence issue.. the alt being to big to fit with e compressor.. Any thoughts?

03-18-2006, 03:15 PM	#3
teamradrz1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gresham, OR 97080 Posts: 499	Re: High Amp Alternator Question MHO if you plan to put in a nice stereo and other electrical devices that you need a 140 amp alt you might as well wire it up with 4 gauge to get the most out of your system. __________________ 1971 Chevy Blazer CST 4X4 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS 2007 Avalanche 4X4

03-20-2006, 11:28 AM	#4
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: High Amp Alternator Question Ya I would run at least a 8g wire from the alt to the batt. __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

03-23-2006, 12:55 PM	#5
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: High Amp Alternator Question I put the same alternator in mine, but used 8ga wire to and from the battery and have not noticed a heat issue. Charges like mad though! Good luck, Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

03-23-2006, 05:06 PM	#6
Musclerodz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 2,365	Re: High Amp Alternator Question You definitely need to up your wire size. I would go to 4 ga. myself. Mike __________________ Mike Redpath

03-25-2006, 07:45 AM	#7
garedclay Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 12	Re: High Amp Alternator Question Thanks so much for the feedback, everyone. The car show was fun... made it there and back with no problem. I'm still going to use a large gauge wire as has been suggested. Hopefully I'll knock that out this weekend. Over at Year One, there were quite a few 67-72 trucks... short and long fleetside and a stepper... but only GaRed representing the Blazer/Jimmy crowd. Cheers, clay (And yes... I know... this post is worthless without pics... but I didn't take my camera... doh!!!!) __________________ www.clayharrison.com/truck/ '72 K5 "Georgia Red" Blazer (driver and dawg hauler) '72 Cheyenne Super C20 LWB (parts and projects)

03-18-2006, 12:05 PM	#1
garedclay Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 12	High Amp Alternator Question Hey folks, I upgraded to a Delco-Remy CS144 140 amp internally regulated alternator as the first step towards a dual battery setup. Next I've got a drivers side tray off a 72 gmc c20 camper ready to POR-15 so I can wire in a deep cell, some lights, stereo, and the story goes on and on. Before I do all that, I want to ride over to the Year One Braselton Bash this afternoon! Before driving 40 miles over to there, I took the blazer out for a spin, drove a few miles, got her up to 65 mph. Once back at home, I found that the (flat not tube) 30 amp fuse between the alternator and the positive terminal post/junction on the inner fender is getting really hot to the touch (but not fried). It still slides in and out of the fuse housing with ease. I never noticed the heat before when I was running a 70 amp unit with external voltage regulator. I'm still using a 12 gauge wire from the alternator. My questions for anyone that might assist me: Do I have reason to be concerned? Is it okay for a fuse to be hot to the touch? Do I need a larger gauge wire from the alternator? I assume I keep the 30 amp fuse? Thanks for any feedback you all can provide. clay __________________ www.clayharrison.com/truck/ '72 K5 "Georgia Red" Blazer (driver and dawg hauler) '72 Cheyenne Super C20 LWB (parts and projects) Last edited by garedclay; 03-18-2006 at 12:06 PM.

03-18-2006, 02:26 PM	#2
Jimmy72custom Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Willits Ca Posts: 261	Re: High Amp Alternator Question Heat is usually a sign of resistance. If the wire it self is not getting hot check fuse holder connections and fuse connection. Number ten wire wouldn’t hurt, it’s cheap. If you put in a multiple battery isolator make sure you get one that can handle the amps of the new alt. My 2 cents

03-31-2006, 04:59 PM	#8
JesEsterly Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NC Posts: 7	Re: High Amp Alternator Question Found this thread via search.. Maybe someone can help me out with a very similar..or at least on these same lines.. Ive got a 350 (86 burb) with the delco 7372-3 alt I believe a 74 volt? Alt.. I was hoping to be able to find a high"er" output alt to go along with the isolator Im adding, but Advance Auto told me that the only upgrade I can do is to the 94 volt alt.. I want sep. batteries for #1 to run the burb, #2 to run aux lights/ amp, cb/ winch.. just dont think my 70's volt alt is enough.. but nothing available for a 350 with A/C over 94 volts? Only reacon I could think was a clearence issue.. the alt being to big to fit with e compressor.. Any thoughts?



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