I've been slowly resurrecting my 1988 E150 conversion back to life (many thanks to all with with dual-fuel and pressure issue from a previous thread.)

Is there an easy way to determine if I have an internal or external voltage regulator on the alternator? The back side of the alternator doesn't appear to be visible from the front (with airbox removed) or the rear (with hump removed). Thus, it's a little tricky to clearly identify the wires. I think the actual owner (father-in-law) may have removed the external regulator at some point (if there actually was one...) but can't remeber to tell me yay/nay.

Any tips/tricks, or does anyone have an 1988 E150 that can tell me definatively?

Thanks.
Dan

 

My 89 has an external one mounted just above the right headlight on the inside of the front bulkhead (or whatever you call it). I'm guessing the 88 is the same.

 

Any chance you could take a photo of the mounting and wiring that attaches to it? I think mine might have something missing from previous misguided repairs.

Dan

 

Here is a picture of an internally regulated alternator. Its of the one on my 86 Mustang, but I believe my 89 E-150 Van is the same. (note the high-tech connector retention system, color coordinated to match the plug wires .)

 

I hope the alternator doesn't put off too much ozone into the K&N filter right next to it

Seriosly, though, I need to replace the serpentine belt anyway, so I may as well pull off the alternator to get a good look at the back. I assume the tensioner-pully at the top-center of the engine simply needs to be torqued a bit counter-clockwise with a breaker bar to release tension on the belt.

Have you serviced the alternator with the internal regulator/is it servicable? I'm hoping the reg. is a pop-out piece and costs similar to its external counterpart.

Dan

 

Breaker bar yes. both the regulator and the brushes are serviceable.

 

I had to laugh when I saw the tie-wraps: mine's done exactly the same way.

My 88 has an internal regulator, but when I went to buy a new one I had to get one for an 89 model because the one they had for the 88 had the mounting holes in a different place: it would have physically fitted but the connectors would have been way off. Be a good idea to take it with you to compare if you decide you need a new one.

I think you'll find that you have 2 connectors on one that has the internal regulator and only 1 connector on the one that has the external.