[horvath]

How can I tell if my alternator has an internal regulator or not?

There's what LOOKS like an extenal regulator on my firewall ... it has 3 prongs/connectors on it ... I've removed all the old wires (I'm doing my EZ-Wire kit and having a good go of it) and I'm pretty sure there was nothing going to it, but now I'm wondering why on earth it was there and I want to be sure.

I've wired my alternator as though it has an internal regulator - I'm pretty sure it does, but I want to be sure before I fire it up. Is there an easy way to tell?

THANKS.

Alan Horvath
<a href="http://AlanHorvath.com/" target="_blank">http://AlanHorvath.com/</a>
Acoustic Rock ... for real.

[Adrenaline_Fiend]

A previous owner may have "jumped" the regulator wires to accomidate an internally regulated alternator. If your vehicle is a GM, the internally regulated alternator will be distinguished by it's plug. It will be flat and the prongs will go -- and the wires should be (brown or red) and white, rather then white and blue. A good website is <a href="http://www.madelectrical.com" target="_blank">www.madelectrical.com</a> I still young but I've done alot of wiring on my nova and this may or may not help....

[horvath]

Ahh ... yes -- the plug! How silly of me. Of course! I know what an internal regulator looks like, and I should've realized.

Cool site-link, too -- I'll check it out.

Thanks, AF

Alan

[willys36@aol.com]

So... are you a wiring expert yet? Was all your hand wringing B4 you started the job for naught?

[horvath]

LOL! I sure have learned a whole bunch, bro'! And of course you were right ... it ain't such a big deal after all.


I sure as h-e-double-toothpicks ain't cuttin' it in an afternoon though! Familiarity must make a large diff ... I'm taking it slow to be absolutely sure I'm doing it right the first time, and also because I'm enjoying the process of playing with my truck. This IS a lot of fun, man ... and VERY rewarding to be doing it myself.

My Old Air AC/Heat unit came in yesterday too, so that'll slow things up while I remove the old AC & heat, strip down and dress up the firewall and install the new unit.

I'm posting a "daily photo-diary here:
<a href="http://AlanHorvath.com/54chevy/" target="_blank">My Truck Page</a>

Alan

[72 chevy]

Love the site Alan! Looks like some top notch work. Its good to hear yer havin fun with the ol gal, thats what its all about!

[willys36@aol.com]

Yes, after you do a couple you pretty well know were everything goes.

Nice web page! Wish I knew ho to do that.

Incidentally, I build a circuit that flashes my headlight lo-beams for turn signals so I don't need separate turn signal lights. Cleans up the front of the car and gets a lot of looks! Would you like to have the plans?

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: willys36@aol.com ]</p>

[horvath]

Hey 72chevy - thanks, man ... I *AM* in love with this truck!


willys36 - sounds cool! Yeah -- lemmee see! BTW ... I dig html and have been doing graphic arts as long as I've been doing music. If you need any help doing a web page, I'm happy to help out -- you sure have been a help to me!

Alan

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: horvath ]</p>