Re: Alternator light

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi Mark:

The alternator (70 - 75 amp) from a '90 - '94 Spider will bolt on to your 
'81.  I've used that unit on both my '74 and '87 Spider's without 
trouble.  Of course the biggest improvement came on the '74, as it 
originally had a 35 amp unit.  Now I can use the H4 high beams, defroster 
fan, wipers, and the stereo all at once.  I had one tiny problem on both 
cars, though, which was easy to remedy.  The fan on the new alternator (at 
least on both of mine) was ever-so-slightly larger than the original, so it 
rubbed (barely) on the washer under the head of the main mounting bolt, and 
also slightly on the bottom edge of the adjustment bracket.  A little 
filing, of the washer and the bracket fixed things right up.

Besides the extra current output, the other difference is that the new 
alternator has its voltage regulator built-in.  For the new alternator 
wiring, first remove the old regulator and the harness that connected it to 
the old alternator.  Keep them or trash them, but they don't need to be on 
the car any longer.  There will be one wire (green) left unattached in the 
car's harness, which is for the alternator light.  Run a green 14 ga. 
jumper from it to terminal 'D+' on the new alternator.  Finally, run a red 
8ga. wire from the 'B+' on the alternator to the '+' side of the battery, 
using ring connectors on both ends.  Since your battery is in the trunk, 
run the wire along the rear edge of the chassis crossmember to the big '+' 
terminal on the starter.  My '87 has a junction on the left inner fender, 
where all the high-current 12V+ leads converge, but I don't think your '81 
has that.  If it does, use that as the termination point of your 
alternator's B+ wire.  The reason for the new, larger wire is 
two-fold.  First, you've got more current, so you need more wire.  Second, 
the original wire always was too small, and by now, it's probably corroded.

Also, I should tell you that others have used GM/Delco, Ford, or Chrysler 
alternators of various current output, which are usually available for less 
than $50.  Some minor machining is usually necessary, and I didn't know if 
that was an option for you.  I prefer to stay with a Bosch, anyway, as it's 
100% bolt-on, and it looks original.

Here's a source for the alternator:

http://autoexpress.safeshopper.com/196/cat196.htm?201

$83, including core charge, and a 3-year warranty.  Don't forget to 
disconnect the ground wire from your battery before doing anything, and ask 
if you have any questions.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's

At 09:48 AM 6/19/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 22:44:15 -0400
> From: mark peterson <alfaveloce81@domain.elided>
> Subject: Alternator light
>
> I remember reading something about this subject when I first joined
> this digest about a year ago but now I need your help with it (because
> I didn't pay attention last time).  When I am driving my 1981 Spider
> Veloce at night with lights and radio on, the aternator light comes on,
> and thats with out having the fan on (it gets brighter).  I wanted to
> add a CD changer but am afraid of any more draw from the charging
> system.  Any fixes to this that won't need a loan from the bank?  Will
> an atrenator from a GTV or even a 164 fit?  any help is given would be
> great!
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