Alternator...Amps?

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by Renton5, Oct 16, 2021.

  1. rickyracer

    rickyracer Member

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    Just get a 100 amp alt and run a new wire of 4 gauge to the battery side of the starter relay. That will put direct charging to the battery. Your 50 yr old wiring was marginal 50 years ago. Old, corroded and insulation dry/cracked. Do it right the first time or have the joy of doing it again.
     
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  2. smegnl

    smegnl Roger Saffle Supporting Member

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    is the 3G still 3 wire or is it a one wire conversion?
     
  3. BBMS18

    BBMS18 Member

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    D81412D8-1537-4786-9381-8395F50662D8.jpeg
     
  4. jasonwthompson

    jasonwthompson Member

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    Here is the way mine is wired, for the most part same as above.
    upload_2021-10-26_15-29-7.jpeg
     
  5. smegnl

    smegnl Roger Saffle Supporting Member

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    did you have to modify the alt bracket? Did you buy new or get from another car?
     
  6. jasonwthompson

    jasonwthompson Member

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    In my case it is a 72 with a 302 from the factory. My lower alt bracket attaches to the front of the alternator ear and fit without any issue. If your lower alt bracket attaches to the back of the alt ear, you may have to do some case and/or bracket grinding, but it will probably be minimal. I bought a new alternator from DB Electrical and picked up the factory style 3G alt connectors and fuse from somewhere I do not remember. I had read that some folks have a belt squeal problem when running the v-belt, so I replaced the smaller pulley with a 289 HIPO/Boss 302 alt pulley that is both larger diameter and deeper. I have never had a squeal or charging problem.
     
  7. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    All depends on what voltage regulator they put in it. Mine is a one wire except I removed the yellow sense wire from the output terminal, added some length to it so I could connect it to the battery + terminal. That way it senses what the battery needs and isn't affected by the voltage drop in the charge cable. Made a noticeable difference in my overall system voltage.
     
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  8. Renton5

    Renton5 Member

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    Hi Everyone!
    Thank you very much for all of the responses to my alternator query!
    One question: What is the 1g, 2g, and 3g? I've not seen that designation
    for alternators.
    Bye,
    Daniel
     
  9. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    1sr generation, 2nd generation, 3rd generation. Each one is a different design. 1G's (as originally used in Mavericks/Comets) were relatively low output, some of the 2G's were famous for catching on fire, 3G's have internal regulators and higher output. Some aftermarket companies put self-exciting regulators in them to make them one-wire deals.
     
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  10. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    The 2G also has a internal regulator.

    Mostly the 2G is a 1G with internal regulator & plug on charge connector. Front half of case is same for 1 & 2G. Over time dirt, corrosion & vibration deteriorated connector contacts causing a overheating condition. With any alt service/failure, the connector should be replaced.
     
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