Talk to me about alternators

[Eagle Kammback]

Well, I don't know jack about them, well, I do, I understand how they work to an extent, but not too well
There are several types of alternators available on Summit for my AMX,
There are a bunch of different alternator case styles, so I don't know which one I need or which one I already have to make mounting it easier
Apparently there are 16 volt alternators, I'm guessing that's something I should stay away from
....actually, those are my big questions
Here are the ones listed for my AMX, I could get a stock one for $40 from Parks, but, as is down here, GO BIG OR GO HOME
Any recommendations?

http://www.summitracing.com/search/year/1979/make/american-motors/model/amx/department/ignitions-electrical/part-type/alternators-and-generators/regulator-style/internal/pulley-style/v-belt/engine-size/5-0l-304

[cstmwgn]

Well, I don't know jack about them, well, I do, I understand how they work to an extent, but not too well
There are several types of alternators available on Summit for my AMX,
There are a bunch of different alternator case styles, so I don't know which one I need or which one I already have to make mounting it easier
Apparently there are 16 volt alternators, I'm guessing that's something I should stay away from
....actually, those are my big questions
Here are the ones listed for my AMX, I could get a stock one for $40 from Parks, but, as is down here, GO BIG OR GO HOME
Any recommendations?
http://www.summitracing.com/search/y...-size/5-0l-304

16 volt alternators are used for 16 volt batteries which are most often limited to drag racing applications.

First question - why are you upgrading your alternator? Are you planning on adding a bunch of power drawing components( amps, electric fans, high powered igniton, ?) or do you just want to brag about the size of your alternator? IF you do decide to go big you need to upgrade wiring not just bolt on a big alternator and go from there. If your power needs are modest then I tend to use national chain store parts (autozone, advanceauto, ...) with lifetime waranties. Most all high power alternators are going to have a larger case than what you most likely have today so you should expect SOME fabracation to make it fit. I believe that your alternator case should have some numbers on it for both style/model and amperage. I would try to use the case number as a guide as to what fits your car best.

[Beagle]

it's probably a GM alternator - post a pic of it. I'd go with Oreilly whatever stock rebuild with lifetime warranty or if you are feeling adventurous there's not much to rebuilding one if it spins freely. If the shaft feels wonky, wont spin smoothly I'd go with a rebuilt and not worry about it.

Unless you plan on putting a gigawatt stereo or 18 Hella driving lights, or mounting a tesla coil in the back seat, the probably 40-65a alternator it came with is fine.

The 16v is race car stuff -

GM rebuilds are a brush kit and a diode trio. I've personally never seen a rotor go bad but the windings could get a short or some other malady. For what your working with right now, probably easiest to go Rockauto or the local guys.

[anotheridiot]

most aftermarket one wire are just basic deals. you need to make sure about your voltage regulator if you are going non stock. It really depends most on the internal or external regulator. Do you just have one wire on the AMX or is there a secondary set of wires going to it? I just think the smaller alternators either run constantly and have little duty cycle on the voltage regulator, where the 100 amp deals end up running more cycles thru the regulator since its a hotter charge and off. Alternators dont fail much, it usually has more to do with the regulators.

[Eagle Kammback]

How'd you know I was planning on a tesla coil, though on the hood....
Well, the factory chin spoiler is coming off since they are hard to find, and I'm going to try and make one from something else fit, and put some driving lights in it, car has an amp and several other speakers and subs I notices, I'd also like to convert to HID headlights eventually, and they probably use more power

[squirrel]

Like he said, post a picture of the alternator so we can see what you're starting with...AMC was known for using parts from different suppliers depending on which day of the week that particular car was built, etc. Could be Ford or GM or possibly Motorola. And they all use different mounting, which makes it complicated to switch.

HID lights piss me off, as do loud stereos, so I just run stock alternators on my junk.

[Eagle Kammback]

I'll try to get a picture

HIDs are incredible when done properly, when wrong, they just blind people.
During some talking with a friend of mine, found out how outdated our headlight laws are, and I like having good visibility, so she's getting good headlights

[squirrel]

Apparently no one does them right, they all blind me.

[Loren]

After a look at your engine compartment, I would suspect that there is more than the alternator that's the problem. Your seller knew that and that's one of the reasons he got scarce on you.

But that's all normal. It's time to get a good wiring diagram and familiarize yourself with electrical matters, if you're going to be messing with old cars. Learn to figure it out yourself or you will always be dependent on guys who did once. A 1979 car is not that complicated.

Yeah, and put the Summit catalog down before you hurt yourself. It's an alternator...get it local so when there's a problem you can have it tested/replaced in an hour.

[Dan Barlow]

And help your local economy.

[SpiderGearsMan]

wasn't that a prestolite alternator ..my suggestion is replace it with a NEW stocker now and convert it top a delco one wire later

[DanStokes]

If you're not sure why the system isn't charging it may be faster and ultimately cheaper to find your local alternator shop and have them trouble shoot and fix it. They do this all day long and will just fix what's wrong rather than you trying this and that, buying parts along the way. Ask them to take you thru the trouble shooting process and show you the repair when they're done - most are cool about doing that once they see that you're eager to learn.

We have a great local rebuilder here and sometimes I take stuff to them if I get stumped even though I usually can figure my way thru it.

BTW - I worked at an AMC dealer for about a week - didn't work out (must have been 1971 or so). But almost everything I did was electrical system related. It's sort of the weak link, I'm afraid.

Good Luck!

Dan

[Eagle Kammback]

Well, I went and purchased a stock one, only $40 after I take the old one back.
But I also found out the battery is being drained while she's turned off. I'm going to have fun chasing that one down.

SHould have listened to my dad when he said, "Never buy something that has been fixed up by somebody else"

[Beagle]

Your dad would probably have you drive a Focus or a Corolla or something and not have to work on the damn thing at all? That's how mine is.

Pull that big amp wire off of it and see if you're still pulling current.

[Eagle Kammback]

Lol, my dad actually really loves old cars, but he prefers stock, or mostly stock ones.
That amp wire is no longer attached to anything, still does it.