Alternator safety issue questions
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 998
Likes: 2
From: Benton, AR
Alternator safety issue questions
OK I went with a 3 wire GM alternator to replace my generator ($40 with tax and that included the extra core charge). I plan to weld up a bracket this weekend. I have 3 questions:
1. The guy at the parts store mentioned some sort of diode to wire into the system to keep juice flowing only in one direction. What in the world is he talking about?
2. After searching the site I have seen several references to fires when switching to alternators. I went with only a 65 amp alternator. Is there any precautions I should take to avoid this potential problem(aside from all new wiring)?
3. If I do not remove the regulator will it interfere in anyway with the new alternator? And yes its interanly regulated alternator and will not be connected to the stock regulator.
Thanks for the input.
1. The guy at the parts store mentioned some sort of diode to wire into the system to keep juice flowing only in one direction. What in the world is he talking about?
2. After searching the site I have seen several references to fires when switching to alternators. I went with only a 65 amp alternator. Is there any precautions I should take to avoid this potential problem(aside from all new wiring)?
3. If I do not remove the regulator will it interfere in anyway with the new alternator? And yes its interanly regulated alternator and will not be connected to the stock regulator.
Thanks for the input.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
1. not sure what he is smoking so just ignore it
2. won't happen if you wire it right and use the correct GA wire and install a inline fuse
3.leave the regulator for the horn
the 3 wire is easy to hook up , just make sure to get the harness pigtail from napa to make it easy and use the remote sensing wire on the alternator for best results.
2. won't happen if you wire it right and use the correct GA wire and install a inline fuse
3.leave the regulator for the horn
the 3 wire is easy to hook up , just make sure to get the harness pigtail from napa to make it easy and use the remote sensing wire on the alternator for best results.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
1. On some setups the alternator feeds back to the ignition and the engine will not shut off when you turn the key off. Not a likley problem but sometimes this does happen.
2. Fuseable link in the short circuit from the batt post on the alternator to the + post on the starter relay.
3. I remove the regulator and the regulator to alt harness. Just cleans everything up. I also use the original ALT charging indicator lamp and use a new wire from the alternator through the firewall to the light. Those bulkhead connectors are the source for many electrical problems in these old Fords. If you can unplug yours without wrecking it, clean it up and use plenty of bulb grease when you plug it back in.
2. Fuseable link in the short circuit from the batt post on the alternator to the + post on the starter relay.
3. I remove the regulator and the regulator to alt harness. Just cleans everything up. I also use the original ALT charging indicator lamp and use a new wire from the alternator through the firewall to the light. Those bulkhead connectors are the source for many electrical problems in these old Fords. If you can unplug yours without wrecking it, clean it up and use plenty of bulb grease when you plug it back in.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 998
Likes: 2
From: Benton, AR
I think an alternator is an alternator, but they are definitely cheap enough. $40 total with the core charge is good enough for me. I kept running into people referring to them on searches so I figured they would not be that popular without a reason. If I have to replace it I'm looking at $30. Also went with a GM brake light switch. Guess I won't win any votes with the purists, but thats OK.
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