Alternator question

[Travisarmenta]

[quote=dave`12;8310066]

Originally Posted by Travisarmenta

The only difference would be wire length

If it's set up to work (brackets, etc.) no reason to move it in the least.

Thanks for the reply.

[vince1]

I have changed the serpentine pulleys over to the V type and it is easy with the 15/16 socket and impact gun. The shafts though can be a little shorter and when you get the V pulley on the nut goes on barely flush. Also in the wrecking yards they charge extra for a separate V pulley so I figure any way I can get one without paying extra I'll take it. Portable impact guns are expensive but if I had one I'd do the swap right in the junk yard.

[driller35]

Thanks Dave 12 for starting and Dmjlambert, VetteVet, Vince1, Gmachinz , enjoying everyones input and gave me the direction I want to do in my 1970 C10 CST alternator upgrade,
im gonna go with ACDelco 3351011 cs130 this already has vpulley mounted
ACDelco PT2145, hopefully resistor correct

now I am assuming this comes with a big enough resistor already in place, if someone knows for sure please chime in

[dmjlambert]

When you get your ACDelco PT2145, use an ohm meter to measure how many ohms the resistor is, and please let us know. Many old threads about doing this mention all different resistor values and going to Radio Shack for them, so I wonder. American Auto Wire has an adapter also, and I don't know if it has the sense wire included but it does have a resistor on the L wire. Their resistor is 510 ohms according to a tech guy that wrote me back in an email. They say in a white paper on their website any resistance between 35 ohms (5-Watt resistor) and 500 ohms (0.5 Watt resistor) is fine. I wonder why the big range.

[driller35]

I will certainly do once I receive harness and hoping it is within specs

[gmachinz]

I usually go anywhere from 150-300 ohms.

[dave`12]

I'm glad this thread appears to be helping other people. I thought seriously about making a streamlined how-to for dummies like me, but the I can see that most people are leaning towards the CS conversion, so I won't bother.

Like a dummy, I reinstalled my coolant overflow over the terminal box that I used near the junction. I had wanted a pic or to to show how clean the installation is, and how the box looks, but the screws are hard to get to, and I don't feel like removing the coolant overflow just to take a picture. Suffice it to say that it works great and looks very tidy.
Thanx again to all that helped.

As an aside, shingles rash is almost gone after nearly 4 weeks. Pain remains. I have almost forgotten what it is like not to be in pain If you are over 50, do yourself a favor and get the shot. They do it at the pharmacy, you don't even have to get an appointment or go to the doctor. Supposed to be 90% effective.

[driller35]

Alright so I got the Part PT2145 GM(88861073) and according to the reading its 511, so I am just assuming this reads 511ohms resistance , I did this on two different testers and got the same result so this would pretty much be correct to what dmjlambert had said

[dmjlambert]

That looks good. Your new alternator will probably bolt in and work fine with this adapter. Please let us know.

[driller35]

Will do but wont be until mid July before I get to

[driller35]

Looking at finish installing tomorrow, there is no ground post on the CS130, is it just grounded thru the Case and bolts or am I missing something here ?
Cheers

[vince1]

I think because the regulator is internal that part of it is not so critical like it was on the others where the regulator had to be grounded to the alternator.

I am using a CS130 without the resistor, just the indicator lamp to the L. Apparently the alternator life may be compromised but it has been on for about three years now and working good. I'll have to find the time to parallel in a resistor.

[driller35]

Alrighty installed CS130 and working excellent, showing a continuous 13.5 volts loaded or no load, I had a bypass plug for generator style setup so used that, generator style plug to SI plug style to CS style plug and all good , and routed a new 10 gage wire from altenator to battery

[dmjlambert]

Originally Posted by driller35

Alrighty installed CS130 and working excellent, showing a continuous 13.5 volts loaded or no load, I had a bypass plug for generator style setup so used that, generator style plug to SI plug style to CS style plug and all good , and routed a new 10 gage wire from altenator to battery

Great news, thanks for reporting back your success.

[Unofornaio]

Ok so I have read this entire thread some parts 3 times and many others on the alternator swap/replace issue. LOTS of great wiring information and reasoning behind which to choose. In all that I have read I still have only came across the 2 listed below Specific Vehicle years and models to ask for or look up to obtain either the 12si or the cs130 alternators.

1. 89 Pontiac Safari is a CS130

2. 1988 Olds Firenza with a 2.0 FI (122cu) engine

3. Other articles refer to "early nineties GM trucks or the full size cars"

I also read the MAD Electrical article and I swear I saw a table listing makes and models or maybe part numbers. I just looked at it again and could not find what I thought I has seen.

I have a 68 C40 with a 350 in it. EVERYTHING ELSE in the engine bay is original that I know of. I believe I have the SAME alternator pictured in the MAD article which was a 1st gen si model. The original alternator was replaced and the exterior regulator and associated wiring (although still present) eliminated from the charging process. As far as I can tell from all the diagrams it appears the wire conversion to a single wire was done correctly. This was my brothers truck for several years and he did not have ANY issues with the wiring.

The alternator is currently reading 12v (directy at the unit) at idle. At this point I realize there is the "possibility" that reading could be correct and the truck just needs to run at a higher rpm or any other possible scenario but at this point its clear the unit needs to be upgraded so this is what I am starting with and need some help.
All of the food production equipment with be powered by a separate on board power system.

So here it is:
What make model and year do I search/ask for to purchase the cs130 version that will fit my vehicle?
P.S. I initially could not believe this issue is not been settled a hundred times over on here but after reading the posts I see that each one has a different tweek to it. Perhaps I am over-complicating things. I also read the alternator kinda post in the faq which really did not address the simple question of what vehicles have these alternators in them that will work for these trucks.
Thank you.

[dmjlambert]

Originally Posted by Unofornaio

The alternator is currently reading 12v (directy at the unit) at idle. At this point I realize there is the "possibility" that reading could be correct and the truck just needs to run at a higher rpm or any other possible scenario but at this point its clear the unit needs to be upgraded so this is what I am starting with and need some help.

Yes, idle may be too slow to make the alternator kick in and start working. My CS-144 will not come on at the slow idle speed I have for my engine. I don't think it is a concern.

[Unofornaio]

Thank you Sir. Its late and we do the Local Farmers Markets on the Weekends. I will read the american auto article that you linked to. Its crazy to me that you knew of the other MAD article I "thought" I read..

I thought i was going crazy from reading all the wiring diagrams my eyeballs felt like they were literally spinning in the sockets.

Thank you again

[dmjlambert]

Originally Posted by Unofornaio

Thank you Sir. Its late and we do the Local Farmers Markets on the Weekends. I will read the american auto article that you linked to. Its crazy to me that you knew of the other MAD article I "thought" I read..

Yes, my psychic friend signaled to me the MAD article you were thinking of.

Originally Posted by Unofornaio

I thought i was going crazy from reading all the wiring diagrams my eyeballs felt like they were literally spinning in the sockets.

Thank you again

I've been exactly there, done that, got the t-shirt.
You're welcome.

[driller35]

You already answered your question the 89 safari Has the correct cs130 altenator , also in the thread should be the wiring harness part number, for it needs this for the diode, look up the altenator on rockauto.com or your nearest auto part store

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by Unofornaio

Ok so I have read this entire thread some parts 3 times and many others on the alternator swap/replace issue. LOTS of great wiring information and reasoning behind which to choose. In all that I have read I still have only came across the 2 listed below Specific Vehicle years and models to ask for or look up to obtain either the 12si or the cs130 alternators.

1. 89 Pontiac Safari is a CS130

2. 1988 Olds Firenza with a 2.0 FI (122cu) engine

3. Other articles refer to "early nineties GM trucks or the full size cars"

I also read the MAD Electrical article and I swear I saw a table listing makes and models or maybe part numbers. I just looked at it again and could not find what I thought I has seen.

I have a 68 C40 with a 350 in it. EVERYTHING ELSE in the engine bay is original that I know of. I believe I have the SAME alternator pictured in the MAD article which was a 1st gen si model. The original alternator was replaced and the exterior regulator and associated wiring (although still present) eliminated from the charging process. As far as I can tell from all the diagrams it appears the wire conversion to a single wire was done correctly. This was my brothers truck for several years and he did not have ANY issues with the wiring.

The alternator is currently reading 12v (directy at the unit) at idle. At this point I realize there is the "possibility" that reading could be correct and the truck just needs to run at a higher rpm or any other possible scenario but at this point its clear the unit needs to be upgraded so this is what I am starting with and need some help.
All of the food production equipment with be powered by a separate on board power system.

So here it is:
What make model and year do I search/ask for to purchase the cs130 version that will fit my vehicle?
P.S. I initially could not believe this issue is not been settled a hundred times over on here but after reading the posts I see that each one has a different tweek to it. Perhaps I am over-complicating things. I also read the alternator kinda post in the faq which really did not address the simple question of what vehicles have these alternators in them that will work for these trucks.
Thank you.

I have had too many problems with the CS-130 alternator over the past 30-years to ever intentionally put one into a vehicle if I have a better choice. They are poorly designed and overheat the bearings too easily which leads to early component failure. GM knew this and changed the design. They also designed a better alternator for the higher output levels that was available at the same time and many times in the same vehicle as an option, the CS-144.

The CS-144 is a much better design that is far more durable and isn't that much more expensive. A great fitting version that I use all the time in retrofit applications to muscle cars and trucks is from a 1993-1996 Caprice. 140-amp output option CS-144. There is also a 128-amp output option CS-144 in addition to the standard 105-amp output CS-130 alternator. It is a little bigger than the stock alternator but just takes some minor fab work on the upper bracket to get it to fit.

They all have the ribbed belt pulley so you will have to swap your V-belt pulley onto them but it is a straight swap so no big deal.

A new 140-amp CS-144 ACDELCO 3351048 $112.99 on RockAuto

I just used the one for the 1996 to 2000 GM truck & SUV application in the serpentine accessory drive I installed onto my 69 stepside.

[dmjlambert]

Originally Posted by 68 TT

I have had too many problems with the CS-130 alternator over the past 30-years to ever intentionally put one into a vehicle if I have a better choice. They are poorly designed and overheat the bearings too easily which leads to early component failure. GM knew this and changed the design. They also designed a better alternator for the higher output levels that was available at the same time and many times in the same vehicle as an option, the CS-144.

Adding your experiences to a thread like this is what gives the forum a lot of value. Thanks. I ended up using a cheap generic Chinese 12SI that only lasted a year, and then a few months ago I got a Delco Remy CS144 alternator from the car parts store. The application for the car parts store computer was 1993 C1500 Cheyenne trucks, Optional Heavy Duty 124 Amp. It is USA made, with lifetime warranty.

[68 TT]

I chose to go the local auto parts store route as well to get the lifetime warranty and easy replacement if I need it.

Not the least expensive way but the most convenient for a daily driver where the part will wear out eventually and need replaced. A nation wide chain store is usually not far away from work or home or a destination on a road trip.

[hdff]

Originally Posted by driller35

Thanks Dave 12 for starting and Dmjlambert, VetteVet, Vince1, Gmachinz , enjoying everyones input and gave me the direction I want to do in my 1970 C10 CST alternator upgrade,
im gonna go with ACDelco 3351011 cs130 this already has vpulley mounted
ACDelco PT2145, hopefully resistor correct

now I am assuming this comes with a big enough resistor already in place, if someone knows for sure please chime in

Yesterday I got the cs144 listed above for the Cheyenne 1500. The larger case of the 144 does not fit the brackets for my 71 big block, the top bracket is about 1/2” shorter than the adjusting hole hitting the fan behind the pulley. Has anyone put a cs144 on a big block? Looks like I may have to take it back for the cs130.


Keith

[dmjlambert]

89 Pontiac Safari alternator is the CS130 with a v-belt pully already on it. I suggest go to a parts store such as O'Reilly and have them show you one. If they need to order it, it will take perhaps a day for them to get it.

This is the Mad Electric article with the chart in it:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...elcoremy.shtml
They did not include anything about the CS-130. That article is just about the 12SI and 10SI.

Here is the article I like about the CS-130:
https://web.archive.org/web/20220703...20IN%203.0.pdf

Bottom line on the CS-130 is you can verify by having a look at it that the mounting ears and pully line up and should be a physical match to the alternator you have. Then get the right connector for it and a resistor. I use a 2 wire connector and hook up the sense wire, not just the single L wire as suggested in the American Autowire article. You can get the ACDelco PT2145 adapter plug as mentioned on the previous page.

[driller35]

Halfstep, have to apologize for not getting a pic up for you , somehow missed your post and will see if i have one , im in Thailand truck is in Canada waiti g for my Aug return