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Author
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Topic: Alternator Troubles
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 745
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 07-22-2002 02:50 PM
  
Got ready to go do some drag racing last week and noticed that the gas gauge(Autometer) was reading a little low. I thought about it for a second and realized that my battery was maybe a little low. I started 'er up and pulled out the multimeter. Sure enough the alternator wasn't putting out anything.I've just never had good luck with alternators. This latest one lasted about four months. It was one of the Tuff Stuff 100amp units with a new FOMOCO voltage Regulator. I'm not sure if it's because I rev the motor over 6K fequently or if it's just that early alternaters are not particularily stable. I ordered the PA Performance 3G alternator to replace it. I've heard that the 3G is the best dsign and that it lasts much longer than all the others including the later designs. I purchased the one with the internal regulator. Hopefully this is the last time I will need to do this for awhile. I purchased the one that puts out 80amps at idle and 160amps max. All it needs is a switched 12volt source to turn it on and an out to the battery solenoid. I was thinking that on older cars the voltage might drop below 12 volts while cranking but it should come right back up once started.
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fastford34
Gearhead Posts: 392
From: penna
Registered: May 2002
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posted 07-22-2002 09:01 PM
i read an article in a mag that stated "over speed on an alternator is the 2nd leading cause of alternator failure,1st is heat". you should check the speed rating for your alternator. you may need to change pulley diameter. g`luck. 
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 745
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 07-23-2002 10:36 AM
Where does one find different size pulleys?
The one I just ordered comes installed with a pulley so hopefully this means it is the correct size. I should ask before I install it. Thanks. quote:
Originally posted by fastford34:
i read an article in a mag that stated "over speed on an alternator is the 2nd leading cause of alternator failure,1st is heat". you should check the speed rating for your alternator. you may need to change pulley diameter. g`luck.
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fastford34
Gearhead Posts: 392
From: penna
Registered: May 2002
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posted 07-23-2002 04:33 PM
before installation,ask the manufacturer about the rpm and pulley size. unfortunatly,the article gave no clue as to where or how to get other size pulleys. wish i could be of more help.[This message has been edited by fastford34 (edited 07-23-2002).]
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 745
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 07-30-2002 04:12 PM
Thought I should update this for anyone else who might need the info. I spoke to PA about the rpm. I told them I shift around 6100 and the car sees as much as 6500. They said that the alternator should be fine with that since it is not continuos. He said that failure is not really because of heat or rpm with the 3G but rather because of the tight tolerances which at high rpms may cause some pieces to come in contact with the housing(can't remember the specific part.)He did say though that a larger pulley wouldn't hurt except that only March has the early style pulleys and they are expensive. I bet it lasts at least as long as the warranty.  quote:
Originally posted by fastford34:
before installation,ask the manufacturer about the rpm and pulley size. unfortunatly,the article gave no clue as to where or how to get other size pulleys. wish i could be of more help.[This message has been edited by fastford34 (edited 07-23-2002).]
[This message has been edited by JAAZZY (edited 07-30-2002).]
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 33988
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 07-30-2002 04:34 PM
quote:
Originally posted by JAAZZY:
Where does one find different size pulleys?
NPD carries the 4" Boss 302/289 hipo alternator pulleys, concours part number 10344-2A for $39.95, or replacement part number 10344-1D for 29.95 ------------------
Perhaps you've seen my seashell collection? I keep them scattered on beaches throughout the world.
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 745
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 07-30-2002 09:04 PM
Thanks I'll check it out. quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
NPD carries the 4" Boss 302/289 hipo alternator pulleys, concours part number 10344-2A for $39.95, or replacement part number 10344-1D for 29.95
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