re: alternator upgrade

[Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>]

Stock thermostat temperature is 195 degrees in most AMC's and my American 
usually runs about 170 degrees according to the temp gauge (I have no idea 
how accurate it is). I wouldn't think you'd want the low speed part of the 
fan to turn on before the thermostat opens. Usually, the second speed isn't 
used until you turn on the A/C and then it runs continuously. Make sure you 
use relays to turn the fans on and off.

Speaking of relays, late 80's S-10/15 GM trucks have a bracket on the 
driver's side inner fender that holds two relays (one for the fuel pump, 
one for the A/C) that would be perfect for what you need -- make sure you 
get the plugs as well. The relays are inexpensive at about $10 each and are 
very common.

Also, there's no need to limit your net searches to AMC made vehicles. 
Electric fans work pretty much the same on all vehicles.

Finally, on the "draws 75 amps" comment, lots of things draw high current 
for short periods of time (for example, the starter can draw a few hundred 
amps at peak). You need to plan for your highest typical load (bright 
lights, A/C, fans, wipers, and radio). As long as that's less than what 
your alternator puts out, short periods of higher loads will be okay. Your 
battery will make up for the difference.

Matt

At 07:26 PM 10/1/2004 -0700, you wrote:

> thanks guys. yes indeed my alt is on the passenger side, <not under a/c as 
> i don't have it... yet>. and i am glad it is a delco from what i read 
> about your troubles with it Doc. but there is no rating on is as far as i 
> can see there is "BB" stamped on it does that mean anything to anyone?
>
> i haven't installed the electric fan yet, so i was thinking of upgrading 
> the alt as a preventative measure... but you're right, why fix it is she 
> doesn't complain about the load? also i haven't installed the fan as i 
> need to figure out what temps to turn on both high and low speed. looking 
> around at the net all i see is jeep pages and they all have it on a toggle 
> switch ...water crossings blah blah blah. if anyone knows what a good 
> running temp and range is for the I6 it would be much apreciated. I would 
> LOVE to get this installed this weekend
>
>
>
> From: <AMC74Hornet@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: {FORGED?} Re: alternator upgrade
> Sent: October 1, 2004 2:31:12 AM
>
> Message-ID: <ADVANCES62RGryWtIIZ0000036e@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> On September 30, 2004 Matt Haas wrote:
>
> > Ian,
> >
> > You may have a Delco alternator already. I'm pretty sure AMC started using
> > them in the 70's but I'm not sure when. If that's the case and it's the
> > original alternator, the output rating is stamped on the body (I think it's
> > near the plug in the side but I'm not 100% sure on that). 63 amps was a
> > very common size but I think there is also one around 50 amps.
> >
> > If you need more amps, there are plenty of aftermarket choices. If you have
> > a Delco alternator, I think you can go up to 200 amps. If you have a
> > Motorola, Power Master makes 100 and 140 amp units that bolt to the factory
> > brackets (this was recently discussed -- in some cases slight changes to
> > the brackets and/or belt lengths are needed). If you're willing to make up
> > brackets, there are all sorts of choices available.
> >
> > On the other hand, if you're not having problems with your battery draining
> > now, you're probably okay.
> >
> > Matt
> >
> > At 08:14 PM 9/29/2004 -0700, you wrote:
> >
> >
> > >i've been thinking what with the high powered stereo i have, fog lights,
> > >and the electronic fan i'm putting in, the stock alternator might not be
> > >up to snuff not sure what the rating on one from a '77 232 is... 60A?
> > >perhaps i should upgrade. what do we have available for upgrades? the
> > >taurus fans pull about 75 amps for a millisecond going up to high power...
> > >so maybe a 90A or 110A unit would  be a good idea. any suggestions on
> > >where to look, and what will fit?
> > >
> > >
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> > 1966 Rambler Rebel
> > 1968 Rambler American sedan
> > ===============================================================
> > According to a February survey of Internet holdouts released by
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>
> I believe 1975 was the first year of the Delco, also the first year of
> electronic ignition and cat's on some models. Also if your alternator is 
> on the
> pass side under the A/C compressor it's probably a Delco. Any higher amp Delco
> should just bolt in. Before changeing the alt. use a volt meter to check the
> output of the one you have with all the electric's turned on. My son has a
> custom built 65 amp Motorola in his 72 Javelin with a killer sterio and it is
> enough with all the electric's turned on. I am the guy that had all the 
> problems
> installing the Delco in place of the Motorola on my 74 258 6 cyl Hornet with
> power steering. I installed a 100 amp Power Master. It charges 14.5 volts
> without a load on it and 14 volts with all the electric's turned on.
> "Doc"
>
>
>
>
>
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mhaas@xxxxxxx
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mattsoldcars.com
1966 Rambler Rebel
1968 Rambler American sedan
===============================================================
According to a February survey of Internet holdouts released by
UCLA's Center for Communication Policy, people cite
not having a computer as the No. 1 reason they won't go online.