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Question

I've replaced 3 alternators in the past 3 months. The first one was putting out 14V for about two weeks and then nothing. The next was puitting out 14V for only 4 days and now nothing. TYPE OF CAR:1987 Buick Regal, 3.8 liter SFI Turbo. What is killing my alternators?

Submitted: 72 days and 22 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $23
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Year: 1987
Make: Buick
Model: Regal
Engine: 3.8 liter SFI Turbo

Already Tried:
Check all grounds and cables connecting to battery, engine, starter and alternator itself.

Posted by JHoop 72 days and 22 hours ago.

Answer

Hello XXXXXXXX, my name is XXXXX. XXXXX you for choosing justanswer.com. Where the white connector goes into the alternator, there are 2 wires. One is smaller than the other. The smaller wire, possibly brown if it has not been replaced, needs to have a diode installed in that wire so the current cannot flow back to the alternator. If you have any more questions or need any diagrams, please dont hesisitate to ask...Thanks again, JHoop

72 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

Yes, diagrams would be very helpful.

 

Thank you

Posted by JHoop 72 days and 22 hours ago.

Info Request

Does the car have digital or analog instruments?

72 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

Digital RPM and Turbo PSI guage. Everything else appears to be analog. Lights appears when something goes wrong. I have no guages with needles. Hope this helps.

72 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

The speed odometer is analong

Posted by JHoop 72 days and 21 hours ago.

Answer

The GM fix would be to replace the voltmeter. There is a bad diode in the voltmeter. Do you know what a diode is? Where the white connector goes into the alternator, there are 2 wires. One is smaller than the other. The smaller wire, possibly brown if it has not been replaced, needs to have a diode installed in that wire so the current cannot flow back to the alternator.

72 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

Sir, there might be some confusing here. There are only two wires going to my alternator. One connecting to the battery and other has a plug which I assume control the light on the instrument panel. Is this the wire you are referring to? The other wire is a cable that (like I mention earlier) connects to the battery.

Accepted Answer

Yes. Yes. Install a diode in that wire. They sell them at Radio Shack.
1N4003
View Full Image
 Use a 3 amp diode. There will be an a stripe at one end of it.. Point that away from the alternator, and you are set. I use solder and heat shrink, yet but connectors and tape will work. If you have any more questions or need any diagrams, please dont hesisitate to ask...Thanks again, JHoop

Edited by JHoop on 9/10/2009 at 10:50 PM

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Expert: JHoop
Pos. Feedback: 98.4 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/10/2009

Technician

10 Year Engine Builder, HvyLine, Suspension, Electrical, Brakes, 3 Year Shop Owner

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