Alts, and One-Point 360s

[jmbrodsky@domain.elided]

Scott,

        AFAIK, the red wire to the back of the alternator is the 12V reference 
voltage for the regulator inside.  The two wires on the plug are: one to the 
internal electrics(in the truck)/battery, one to the coil.  It may be: one to 
the internal electrics, and one to the coil/battery, as with no battery in the 
truck you can run the motor, but the lights will get REAL bright, since there is
now no reference.  I'm pretty sure the latter is correct since you can run the 
car with no alt and the battery powers the coil. so, is this the way all?

One wire from the plug is coil/battery, the other is truck internal electrics, 
ie. dome light, radio, etc.?        

        When you're playing in there, just make sure NEVER short the
red lug on the back to ground.  It pops the regulator/rectifier at the
speed of light, then it's either a $12 rebuild kit, or an exchange
alternator.

        Speaking of Alts, is anyone else in the situation where a
previous owner bought a new one to replace a blown 63A unit and put in
a new 35A unit?  I'm pretty sure that's why we all have dim headlights
at idle.  My T'all doesn't dim the lights, and I've measured 53A at idle!


     -Joel Brodsky

         '76 IHC Scout II 345/tf727
         '75 IHC Travelall 150 4wd 392/tf727
         '72 Chev Carryall 3dr 4wd 350/th350 sold, but not forgotten.

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Date: Sat, 13 Dec 1997 18:11:47 -0800
From: Scott Machalk <smachalk@domain.elided>
Subject: Alternator problem

Thanks to everyone who had alternator suggestions. Luckily I looked this
morning and found one of the wires hanging off the alternator. Hooked it
back up and good as new.

Here's a new question. I've looked at the shop manual but I'm still
confused. What are the three wires on the alternator for. I want to
eventually get a PowerMaster 100 amp alternator to replace mine.
PowerMaster people told me they have a model that bolts right in, but it is
the one wire type. What would I be missing?

Thanks in advance.

Scott Machalk
smachalk@domain.elided
1979 Scout II 345 727 I can see again

------------------------------


        About 9 years ago I had this little Pontiac T1000, with a 1600 I-4.  
Anyway it's the same thing as a Chevette, and it purred.  I could beat hondas 
left and right and I was pretty Adretti'd with the car.  Well, there is a one 
way street here called 6th ave, and it's one way for about 2miles, the it goes 
to two ways with alot of flashing lights so you don't screw up.  OK, so rainy 
day, me and a buddy horsing around, (I used to grab the E-brake just to chirp 
the old tires it had on it, What better way to replace them huh?).  I yank the 
brake, the car spins around 180, now I'm going 40mph pointing the wrong 
direction, yet still travelling in the correct direction in a forward gear!  I 
had the opportunity to see the driver of the Ford Pickup behind me, both 
white-eyed, and white-knuckled, as I executed this move.  I turned the wheel to 
the left, the car winged back around in the same direction it started, then 
continued on my way.  It was a perfect OPT as described by others, no damage to 
me or others,, never hit a pole, curb rock, pebble, etc. But it sure humbled me 
from the E-brake.  I still hold that in snow the car drove better sideways than 
forward. ;)  
Another one: On the way to skiing one time w/o chains, I was driving a friend 
and I up while he slept.  He woke up only to see the road out the passenger 
window.  At which time I hear "DUDE WE'RE GOING SIDEWAYS!".  It was a long 
sweeping turn to the left, and it was gentle so I had fun.  Nothing like a low 
profile car with skinny tires!  I was in a drift the entire 1.5 mile turn.  
Richard Petty eat you heart out.


     -Joel Brodsky

         '76 IHC Scout II 345/tf727
         '75 IHC Travelall 150 4wd 392/tf727
         '72 Chev Carryall 3dr 4wd 350/th350 sold, but not forgotten.