JNewm
True Classic
Hi all--
Ran into some fun electrical issues today. Voltage gauge was reading sub-12 and going lower while driving, which seemed like an obvious alternator issue. But the idiot light underneath the gauge would also start to glow as revs increased, leading me to suspect voltage-regulator issues. Took the car to O'Reilly, their test came up "voltage regulator failure".
I haven't gotten the chance to get under the car and remove the alternator yet, but it's a 1981 non-AC car. From what I can gather online, that means it most likely has a 55-amp alternator with either an internal or (attached) external voltage regulator.
I see Midwest-Bayless sells a "self-regulated" (internal) 55-amp alternator here.
First question: can I replace my existing alternator + voltage regulator with this unit, even if what's currently on the car is an external regulator? I can't think of a reason why not, but electrical systems have never been my forte.
Second question: I see Vick sells a 65-amp alternator here. Does anyone have experience installing one of these? Would you need to also upgrade wiring to notice any difference, or can the stock wiring handle the extra power?
Thanks in advance!
Ran into some fun electrical issues today. Voltage gauge was reading sub-12 and going lower while driving, which seemed like an obvious alternator issue. But the idiot light underneath the gauge would also start to glow as revs increased, leading me to suspect voltage-regulator issues. Took the car to O'Reilly, their test came up "voltage regulator failure".
I haven't gotten the chance to get under the car and remove the alternator yet, but it's a 1981 non-AC car. From what I can gather online, that means it most likely has a 55-amp alternator with either an internal or (attached) external voltage regulator.
I see Midwest-Bayless sells a "self-regulated" (internal) 55-amp alternator here.
First question: can I replace my existing alternator + voltage regulator with this unit, even if what's currently on the car is an external regulator? I can't think of a reason why not, but electrical systems have never been my forte.
Second question: I see Vick sells a 65-amp alternator here. Does anyone have experience installing one of these? Would you need to also upgrade wiring to notice any difference, or can the stock wiring handle the extra power?
Thanks in advance!