New Alternator
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Northville MI
New Alternator
Good morning. I have a 75 Convertible, with an updated Stereo: new head unit, amp, and powered sub. I trickle charge the battery and she starts right up, but after a 10-15 cruise with the radio on, it drains the battery. SO, I assume its time to upgrade the Alternator.
Just a quick question for you guys..Whats the largest Alternator I can put in without upgrading the wiring? Then in your guys opinion, should I just upgrade the wiring and go with a larger alternator? If so, is this a tough job as I've never done a major wire update on a car.
Thanks for your opinion, and reading
Tom
Just a quick question for you guys..Whats the largest Alternator I can put in without upgrading the wiring? Then in your guys opinion, should I just upgrade the wiring and go with a larger alternator? If so, is this a tough job as I've never done a major wire update on a car.
Thanks for your opinion, and reading
Tom
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Northville MI
i have a voltage tester, I'll take readings this afternoon and report back.
Thank you for your reply!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Northville MI
But then again, I've jumped the car before, thus I assume the battery was completely dead and it ran normal after. So the alternator must be kind of working, just can't keep up with the amp draw.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Northville MI
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1969-1982.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
i don't know what a 6 pack is, but 10 years old is ancient for a battery. 6 years is old.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Northville MI
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,742
Likes: 1,384
before you rebuild it consider doing the following:
1. Ensure battery is fully charged and take it to local parts store and get it load checked.
2. Remove alternator and take it local parts store and get it checked also.
Then, you can determine which way to proceed.
1. Ensure battery is fully charged and take it to local parts store and get it load checked.
2. Remove alternator and take it local parts store and get it checked also.
Then, you can determine which way to proceed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,815
Likes: 470
From: Wichita Kansas
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Northville MI
Had the alternator and battery tested. The alternator was good, but very noisy and battery was about half down. NAPA suggested I replace the brushes and bearings and do a 2 AMP 24 hour charge to the battery.
Rebuilt the alternator with Brushes and Bearings and did the reinstall. Did a 24 charge on the battery.
Car runs great and less noise from the engine compartment. Really surprised how loud the alt really was! Going to take the battery back in a couple days to see if it holds.....time will tell.
Now on to tackle the main hose on the AC unit....should be interesting as it looks like the engine need to come out for job. Thanks for all the reply's!
Rebuilt the alternator with Brushes and Bearings and did the reinstall. Did a 24 charge on the battery.
Car runs great and less noise from the engine compartment. Really surprised how loud the alt really was! Going to take the battery back in a couple days to see if it holds.....time will tell.
Now on to tackle the main hose on the AC unit....should be interesting as it looks like the engine need to come out for job. Thanks for all the reply's!
Instructor
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 196
Likes: 16
From: Rancho Santa Margarita CA
You can install a capacitor also, I used to run one when I was running high watt stereo system in another vehicle, 6 amps, crossovers, EQ and deck. That way the amplifiers pull from the capacitor and the alternator will keep the capacitor charged. Works like a buffer between your amplifiers and your electrical system. Kept all my lights from dimming also when the sub woofers kick in.