k, so in my 1980 pickup, electrical has always been a problem, but i never did much about it cuz i got a lotta other stuff to work on right now, but i tried installing a stereo and the sattelite radio won't work with the engine running because i guess it's been running at 17 volts for god knows how long!


i tried the easy fix first, replacing the voltage regulator, but ummm, soon as i started the truck it started to smoke and fry, so i'm gonna try the alternator next, but i hear that for 1980 there are 2 alternators and one is like, a higher voltage output. could it be that i've had the wrong alternator all along, and how do you tell the difference between the two?

 

are you sure the regulator you used was a good one? Im pretty sure you can use a newer style one off say an 89 that is internally regulated and ditch the regulator on the fender. the plug is different but if you have to buy an alternator anyway. someone will chime in soon that is more familiar with these that myself.

 

there should be two different alternators for your first gen. a 45 that's externally regulated and a 55(?) thats internally regulated. both have the same plug. if youve got a 55 thats internally regulated and still have your external regulator in the series your alt is essentially getting the wrong load signal and will pump out 17 or more volts.

 

^^^this guy know his stuff

 

yeah that made a decent amount of sense to me, i'm thinking the guy who had it before me musta unknowingly replaced the alternator with one with an internal reg, gettin a new and regulator today and hoping that solves the problems i got.


been drivin to work at 4am with one spotlight on for 3 months now cuz when rev it the headlights cut out, haha. bout time i stopped being so damn lazy

 

Also, check for corrosion at the plug and wire connections. Check your grounds. I had a "sense" wire that was loose/corroded and caused alternator to pump out too much or none at all.

 

+1
5char

 

What is the regular voltage with the truck running

 

ah heck i just went ahead and replaced the alternator and regulator in one whack, seems to have fixed the problem, guess i'll just keep an eye on it. truck runs great except for the occasional electrical component failing on me.


i need to rewire the son of a gun completely at some point, but like i said, too many projects at once.

 

i went with the 70a, it works great. hope that solved your problem