Thought I would share this
info with others on the list.The original alternator on my 67 imp was always
inadequate at idle and low rpms. Especially with the lights on and the defroster
fan operating. Being a single field type it just can't put out the current at
low rpms.I put a digital volt meter in the car so I could see precisely what my
electrical system was doing, at idle usually less than 12 volts, at cruise 14.6,
which means underpowering my car and draining the batt at low rpms, overcharging
the batt at cruise.I decided to find a better alternator. I took a
measurement of the case where it mounts at the bottom and pulley, went to
an auto parts store and looked/compared to some newer mopar alternators. I
found a late 80's dodge truck alt. with a pulley that was the same ,but a hair
smaller diameter, the mounting at the bottom was the same but required switching
the mounting bushings with the original alternator(the overall alternator
case is similar the 67 alt., but larger). This newer alt is a dual field which
puts out at least twice as much current at idle(the slightly smaller pulley
helps even more). And puts out 86 amps at speed. Because of the larger current
capability I by-passed the amp gauge in the dash(for safety reasons, having all
that current flow thru the dash is a design flaw in mopars anyway) and
used the digital volt meter under the dash to monitor the electrical system. At
the same time I upgraded to the mopar solid state voltage regulator also.
Now from idle to cursing speed, with all the lights on, fan on
blinkers, brake lights, radio on it never goes below 13 volts and at cruise
never goes over 13.7 volts, WAY BETTER. It works so well, I am very happy with
it, if anybody on the list is interested in this type of upgrade , I would be
glad to provide more details.
Mike
Becker
67 croen 4dr 67 vert 67 lebaron other
mopars
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