[gazrnr]

Hi, I am currently running a carberated chevy 350 with a 63 amp 3 wire setup. I would like to stick with the 3 wire alternator but my current setup does not seem to put out enough power to keep all the electrical items happy. I am running an electic fuel pump with a 30 amp relay, ford taurus electric fan with a 30 amp relay, 100 watt halogen headlights with two 30 amp relays, MSD AL6 box and distributor, A/C, and a 200 watt amp for the radio. During the day time I can hear the fuel pump slow down when the fan comes on and see a drop in the volt meter. Without the fan running I see the same drop in volts with the headlights on but no change in the fuel pump sound. Put every thing on at once (fan, A/C, lights, radio, wipers, rear window defroster), which I have not tried, and I am think my red top gel battery will melt.

I am looking at upgrading to either a 100 amp or 140 amp alternator from Powermaster PN 17295 100 amp or 37294 for the 140 amp. Does anyone have any experience with this brand and am I going in the right direction with my concerns? If not please feel free to jump in & respond.

Thanks,
Rusty

[66Caprice]

I bought the powermaster 67293 - a 140 amp. The first one I got from summit was defective and sent back - it looked like it was a return item. I ordered a second one from Pace and have had no problems with it.

[docvette]

Doc here,

Sounds like your going in the right direction..

You might want to take this time to evaluate your electrical system now also.

Since you have added all these high draw items, check to be sure your existing wire gauge will support the new higher current draw. You may be losing some power there.

Be sure you have a proper ground system ... battery cable to the block at or near the starter, a second cable from the block to the frame and two 10 gauge wires to one to the firewall and the other to the alternator mount. Use star washers and burnish paint and grease from the grounding areas.

If the alternator mount is powder white, remove it and all hardware and sand or water blast it to semi shiny and reinstall, use aluminum wire bonding paste on all hardware and everywhere you have contact to the block (steel) you have electrolysis going on that will cut the alternator's ability to put out full charge.

Doc