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Alternator Question

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Old May 29, 2016 | 04:19 PM
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Default Alternator Question

Can anyone tell me if there is more than one size of alternator on a 79- L-82 with air. My alternator will not charge for several minutes after I start the engine, after I drive it for a while it will start charging. I checked the voltage at the battery and when it's charging it's at 14.5 volts. It's an internal regulator so rather than try to fix it I bought a new one (63 amp) at a local parts store but it was a lot smaller than mine and wouldn't fit. I went to another place, same thing. I looked at the on-line Corvette suppliers and the only difference I can see is the price is more than double and the local parts are lifetime warranty, bring it back if it breaks or don't fit, no shipping charges.
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Old May 29, 2016 | 04:30 PM
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If it was running 14.5 v it was working properly. Check the wire connections (small plug) they should have voltage there. If not the alt will not charge, especially at first starup. There is only one size alt.

Also check the belt for slipping.

Last edited by mikem350; May 29, 2016 at 04:30 PM.
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Old May 30, 2016 | 10:55 AM
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Some industrial delcotrons had a self "exciter", it energised the alternator at a speed above fast idle. Someone may have installed one like that.
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Old May 30, 2016 | 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Hot Stuff
Can anyone tell me if there is more than one size of alternator on a 79- L-82 with air. My alternator will not charge for several minutes after I start the engine, after I drive it for a while it will start charging. I checked the voltage at the battery and when it's charging it's at 14.5 volts. It's an internal regulator so rather than try to fix it I bought a new one (63 amp) at a local parts store but it was a lot smaller than mine and wouldn't fit. I went to another place, same thing. I looked at the on-line Corvette suppliers and the only difference I can see is the price is more than double and the local parts are lifetime warranty, bring it back if it breaks or don't fit, no shipping charges.
With the original alternator, when you first start it up and the system is apparently not charging, was the dash Batt. light on?
When my alt. on my 80 quit, I got a Powermaster unit. I don't remember the vendor but I spoke to the tech and got a entire earful of my options and decided on a 100 amp upgrade.
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Old May 30, 2016 | 04:18 PM
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In 79 they had a 70 amp alternator. #1101041

I would suggest just getting your alternator rebuilt. Only the insides need to be changed. and up grade if you want. Had mine done for $60 a few years ago however it was a chrome one that was $100+ and I was not about to buy another.
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