Re: [ihc] Alt question

[John Hofstetter <hofs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael,

As Jim says, it would be helpful to know what kind of alternator it is 
and on what vehicle it is being used.

If it's one of our Scout alternators or a similar Delco, then, in my 
opinion, it is probably the regulator (diode trio) or one of the two 
wires going into the two prong plug. By the way, that plug can probably 
stand to be cleaned and greased.

Testing the two wires going to the plug is pretty simple. Put a 
voltmeter on the wire going to prong #2 and see if it has full voltage. 
It should. Then apply full voltage to prong #2 temporarily. If 
alternator works OK with either change, then you should look at the 
bulkhead connectors or plan on a rewire of the alternator circuit.

John Hofstetter

On May 29, 2004, at 6:07 AM, Joseph Shaw, II wrote:


> I know this is frequently discussed, but there are always so many 
> answers and
> I never know what the FINAL word is on something like this, so I am 
> asking
> here again.
>
> If an alternator starts to act up-lights flickering, needle bouncing a 
> bit,
> and then sometimes the needle on the guage goes into the red zone on 
> the HIGH
> side, is it about to burn up?
>
> Any repair option, or simply replace it?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Michael