CS 144 Alternator
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
CS 144 Alternator
I purchased a used CS144 alternator off of a 97 Chevy Tahoe from Durango Boy and rebuilt it myself. I purchased a complete rebuild kit from Spring Hill Auto Electric...bearings, rectifier, brushes, voltage regulator, battery stud. At Durango Boy's suggestion I took the completed alternator to my local auto supplier for testing. I was delighted when it put out 14.3 volts and did not drop even under a load. I am adding a dual electric fan and a xenon light conversion to my 79. This CS144 alternator should easily handle the load. Of course Durango Boy was a lot of help with ideas and suggestions.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
You should upgrade any wiring that will be carrying that additional load (current to lights/fans/sound system/etc.). Otherwise, it will just blow fuses and/or pop fusible links on those systems.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
The CS144 140Amp alternator should fit in place of a CS130. On the alternator I have the mounting tabs are off set allowing me to use a March adjusting rod. It looks good and allows for easy belt tension adjustment. I have rewired my headlights with heavier wiring and relays. I am also running a heavier wire with fusible link to my battery connection on my starter. One of the things I wanted most beside the additional amps, is the higher output at idle in the event my fans come on while I am going slower in traffic. I have a alternator light in addition to my voltmeter, so I purchased an adapted for the CS alternator from GM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
On my 79 the alternator mounted into the original bracket. This paticular alternator has off set mounting tabs. This worked great for me as I could then use on of March's adjusting rods. The rod is pictured in my original thread. If you need a photo, I'll remount the alternator and show how it fits. I have it out right now as I'm doing some other work. But, It won't take me a couple of minutes to remount it tomorrow and take a photo for you.
Tom...I noticed you were from Stanton. Is that near Westminister? I used to live in Westminister as a kid. I retired from the CHP out Fresno. I moved to WV after retiring. Quiet here! Taxes and crime are less.
Ken
Tom...I noticed you were from Stanton. Is that near Westminister? I used to live in Westminister as a kid. I retired from the CHP out Fresno. I moved to WV after retiring. Quiet here! Taxes and crime are less.
Ken
Last edited by thegazman; Nov 16, 2008 at 05:00 PM. Reason: additional info
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 3
From: STANTON CA
On my 79 the alternator mounted into the original bracket. This paticular alternator has off set mounting tabs. This worked great for me as I could then use on of March's adjusting rods. The rod is pictured in my original thread. If you need a photo, I'll remount the alternator and show how it fits. I have it out right now as I'm doing some other work. But, It won't take me a couple of minutes to remount it tomorrow and take a photo for you.
Tom...I noticed you were from Stanton. Is that near Westminister? I used to live in Westminister as a kid. I retired from the CHP out Fresno. I moved to WV after retiring. Quiet here! Taxes and crime are less.
Ken
Tom...I noticed you were from Stanton. Is that near Westminister? I used to live in Westminister as a kid. I retired from the CHP out Fresno. I moved to WV after retiring. Quiet here! Taxes and crime are less.
Ken
mind a pic, take your time
Thanks
Last edited by TPI BOY; Nov 16, 2008 at 05:28 PM. Reason: spelling
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
I did clean it with a wire wheel; however, I finished it off with silver brake caliper paint (500 degree paint). This was my first rebuild so I took pictures as I disasembled plus "Quick Start Automotive Electric" has a couple of videos on their website showing a rebuild of a CS alternator by a professional technician.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
Here's a photo showing the off set mounting tabs on my CS144 alternator. At first I was concerned about the off set, but turned out to be to my advantage.
I trimmed the top mounting tab flush with the front alternator case. I sawed it off then smoothed with a file.
With the off set mounting tabs I was able to convert the fan belt tension adjuster to an adjustment rod from "March" and eliminate the long curved OEM bracket that was attached to the water pump. I attached the adjusting rod to the upper inside bolt of the original alternator mounting bracket.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
"http://www.alternatorparts.com/Alternator_repair_instructions_exploded_ views.htm"
Here's the website showing the basic's of rebuilding a CS 144 alternator. Very helpful if you have never rebuilt an alternator before.
Here's the website showing the basic's of rebuilding a CS 144 alternator. Very helpful if you have never rebuilt an alternator before.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
From: Canastota Ny
does the cs144 alternator use the same plug as what is on my 79 now? if an adapter is needed does it come from napa? also is this the same as the recent alterantor sheet that was listed in the threads recently? I too am looking for a plug and play higher output nator that i can still utilize the original GEN light with. any help / direction appreciated. or save space and PM me i always like getting mail
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
does the cs144 alternator use the same plug as what is on my 79 now? if an adapter is needed does it come from napa? also is this the same as the recent alterantor sheet that was listed in the threads recently? I too am looking for a plug and play higher output nator that i can still utilize the original GEN light with. any help / direction appreciated. or save space and PM me i always like getting mail
Here is a link to the alternator paper. It has diagrams, part numbers, suggestions, and procedures.
http://photos.imageevent.com/durango...%20Install.pdf
If you want a CS144, you'll need one with a 6 & 10 clocking on the front case. The one you linked to me in the PM has a 6 & 12 clocking, which won't easily work for your stock brackets.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
From: Canastota Ny
guys check out this email response from a vendor (not affiliated here) and see what he states. do we need a bigger battery cable to run also? ive found an alternator to use for this project. (not one from vendor) should be interesting to see the results.
read here ----> You should run a 4 gage battery wire between the alternator and battery. You can hook up your old wire like normal and piggy back a second wire between the alternator & battery, the two wires will act like one.
The price for a brand new 170 amp CS-144 with most internal components from GM OE suppliers is $219.95 which is a very good price for the quality level of the components in this alternator.
read here ----> You should run a 4 gage battery wire between the alternator and battery. You can hook up your old wire like normal and piggy back a second wire between the alternator & battery, the two wires will act like one.
The price for a brand new 170 amp CS-144 with most internal components from GM OE suppliers is $219.95 which is a very good price for the quality level of the components in this alternator.
Last edited by 1nicecorvette; Nov 17, 2008 at 08:02 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
guys check out this email response from a vendor (not affiliated here) and see what he states. do we need a bigger battery cable to run also? ive found an alternator to use for this project. (not one from vendor) should be interesting to see the results.
read here ----> You should run a 4 gage battery wire between the alternator and battery. You can hook up your old wire like normal and piggy back a second wire between the alternator & battery, the two wires will act like one.
The price for a brand new 170 amp CS-144 with most internal components from GM OE suppliers is $219.95 which is a very good price for the quality level of the components in this alternator.
read here ----> You should run a 4 gage battery wire between the alternator and battery. You can hook up your old wire like normal and piggy back a second wire between the alternator & battery, the two wires will act like one.
The price for a brand new 170 amp CS-144 with most internal components from GM OE suppliers is $219.95 which is a very good price for the quality level of the components in this alternator.
I made mention of that in the paper, and he's correct. If you have a lot of high amperage draw accessories an extra wire is a good idea. However, 4 gauge is a bit large unless you are drawing near full capacity of the alternator. Just because the alternator CAN put out all that power doesn't mean it is and s going to fry the system. If you have just a fan and maybe a stereo then you won't need much of an upgrade if anything at all. Add a few accessories and an 8 gauge jumper to the starter BAT lug would suffice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Have you tried it with the belt on?
I was looking at doing the same setup for my 71 383 with tall valve covers but with this bracket:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...140+4294860731
However in the notes, it warns to not use it if you have a power steering pump because the belt will hit the pump.
I'm just wondering how much room you have to clear the power steering pump with the bracket and arm you use?
Thanks
KO
I was looking at doing the same setup for my 71 383 with tall valve covers but with this bracket:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...140+4294860731
However in the notes, it warns to not use it if you have a power steering pump because the belt will hit the pump.
I'm just wondering how much room you have to clear the power steering pump with the bracket and arm you use?
Thanks
KO
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
tegazman
Yes! I have now installed my fan belt. The alternator is the original location so the belt clears the power steering pump. It's close but it clears.
Kortensi..I sent you a PM.
Ken
Kortensi..I sent you a PM.
Ken