Which Alternator?

Thx walt. I believe that is exactly what I have here.. there's no wiring to the top plug on the alternator.. there's two wires that are from starter to alt, and that's it..

 

Walt, it does charge. The PO said the accelerator must be used before the guage shows movement. Not sure which way I'm going with the alternator, maybe CS if not crazy expensive. Thanks. Chris

 

That kinda looks like a motorola regulator.
The 10 and 12 si are both delco.

 

That is normal with the internal regulated alternators. And if that is a 12si, it is probably running the amperage you want anyway.
A voltmeter tells you what when you place in across your battery? if it is 13.6 volts when the engine is running and the alternator is engaged, then you are good to go for running around town or into the woods. If you are concerned about a winch, that should be run off the battery anyhow.

 

Welcome from Michigan, chrisg, there are all kinds of options when it comes to GM alternators. You can look at them on E-Bay. You can get a 10si, that starts charging without having to Goose it, a 12si will make your light on the dash work. You can get a wide pully for them so you can use the factory fan belt, 5/8" wide, and you can find a bracket to mount them on your Jeep correctly. You can get them in high output, mine is 110 amp, so it can keep up with your winch. The guys here know everything, and will help you, as you can see.

 

As will the 10SI and the CS series alternators. The lamp is wired in series with the ignition switch and the "L" terminal on the alternator.

 

Ed where did you find an "L" on an alternator?

 

I probably should have said terminal 1. In some schematics although not as often terminal 1 is referenced as L.

 

thx Rick. Yes, the guys have helped me out quite a bit. It's my first jeep, so learning as I go. Nice looking motor.. Chris

 

Got a CS alternator, 140 amp.. built not Chinese crap.. on to the next project.

Thanks Everyone for your help,

Chris

 

CS130 or CS144?

Did you have to modify either of the alternator brackets or was it just a drop in affair?

 

Hey Old Iron, It's a drop in. Mine is the CS 130, and it's Amp rating increased to 140. He had same case alternator with 180 AMP as well, but probably not needed for my jeep. (and 30 bucks more )

I read that the CS 144 is a larger case, so probably won't fit original bracket

Chris

 

I agree with Walt, PO probably just abandoned the regulator in place. OP you mentioned the PO said the engine had to be revved to make the alternator charge, that and the wiring you describe tells me your alt is a "one wire" They are simple to install but do not have accurate voltage sensing, so I avoid them, parts availability can be an issue also. Tons of schematics available to instruct you how to wire 3 wire alts, 12Volt Man and Mech Man are both good sources, Good luck!

 

My 12SI needs to be over a certain RPM to charge, but once you blip the throttle its fine. Its not really any more difficult to wire in an external regulator, but the availability of the ones with higher amp output is scarce whereas the one wire with much higher output is plentiful.

 

If anyone is interested the pic below has the P/N for a 3 wire, 94 amp 12si with 12 o'clock position from O'Reillys with lifetime warranty.

 

Hey Chris, the guy who built the alternator said it charges at 400 rpm. I just wired it the same way, one wire.

Chris

 

thanks wasilla, I left it wired the way it was. The new CS alternator was made to run one wire, and every time I over think something it bites me in the ***. haha.

Chris

 

Thanks old Iron. Good luck on your alternator.

Chris