[elky] Re: Alternator problem = Elky killer
- From: Saul Marsh <saulmarsh72@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: elky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 17:16:04 -0700 (PDT)
Chris that's an excellent website. I guess it's possible that my old
alternator
was clocked different, but I'm beginning to think I do have the correct
alternator, and just can't figure out how to put it back on. I learned long
ago
that taking parts off is much easier than putting them back on. Anyway, if I
got one that was clocked incorrectly, then I think the only thing that would
change is the location of the wires going to the back. As far as I can tell,
if
I could just get my new alternator bolted in, I won't have any problems hooking
the existing wires up to it.
I do like that the website labels the wires on the 10-si 3-wire alternator.
The
battery wire on my old alternator was interfering with some other part on top
of
the intake manifold (I believe it's related to the air conditioning system).
Maybe that had something to do with why my generator light stayed on even when
I
shut the car off. That's the problem that started this whole mess.
________________________________
From: Chris Lindh <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: elky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wed, November 3, 2010 8:30:57 PM
Subject: [elky] Re: Alternator problem = Elky killer
What about the replacement alternator doesn't allow it to fit? I'm
assuming it is an SI alternator, and probably a 10-SI, at least
according to this:
http://bob_skelly.home.comcast.net/~bob_skelly/alternator_conversion/wiring_alternator1.html
There shouldn't be too many versions of the 10-SI alternators for
early Chevy small blocks. The only significant difference I can think
of the clocking of the case. (3 o'clock mounting ears, 6 o'clock,
etc.) If your old alternator brackets work I would stick with them.
Unfortunately when you go to your friendly neighborhood parts store
the person behind the counter typically has very little parts
knowledge. I would take the alternator back to the parts store you
bought it from and insist they give you an EXACT replacement of the
one you had. Make them look in the paper catalog. Tell them you want
to see the listing in the paper catalog. The average parts jockey
wants to be an order taker - make them do their job and get you the
correct part. (Yes this is a pet peeve of mine.)
Also look at the part numbers on RockAuto.com , that may help you get
the correct part number.
Good luck.
On Wed, Nov 3, 2010 at 7:25 PM, Saul Marsh <saulmarsh72@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Hi guys,
>
> I occasionally spend a few minutes when available trying to get my
> alternator problem figured out. Brought my alternator to Autozone last
> month and it tested bad, so I turned it in and got a new one. Thought I
> compared the old and new one together, but apparently did not do a good
> enough job checking it. Replacing an alternator should be an easy job,
> right? New one doesn't fit. I'm having a helluva time and my car can't be
> moved as a result. I wish I could get my old alternator back, just long
> enough to move the car into the garage.
>
> My questions:
>
> 1. Do I have an alternator or a generator? My dash light says "GEN" and my
> '73 GMC Sprint manual calls it a "Delcotron Generator Assembly." The
> Autozone computer calls it an "alternator."
> 2. Shouldn't there be a difference between alternators on pre-'75 and
> post-'75 models? I bought shiny new chrome alternator brackets thinking
> that the old brackets looked like something thrown together by some
> shadetree mechanic. The new brackets are good for models up through 1975.
> The Autozone computer shows the same alternator for a '73 307, '73 350, and
> a '77 350. Maybe they tried to make one alternator interchangeable with too
> many others.
> 3. Where can I find some sort of identifying code on my engine? Given that
> the previous owner used this Sprint as a parts car for other cars, I'm not
> even sure I have the original 350 anymore.
> 4. Am I an idiot for even taking this project on?
>
> Thanks all for your help. Nothing urgent here, but I sure would like to at
> least be able to move my Sprint without selling it as a parts car.
>
> Saul
> '73 GMC Sprint
>
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