ALTERNATORS...

[6FIVE_STANG]

i just bought a Powermaster 140 amp, 1 wire alternator from Summit. I was wondering, will this cause me any problems? ...Someone told me if I have a wire that is to small when used on a high output alternator, it can cause the power to back up within the alternator making it overheat, burn up and fail.

 

[iskwezm]

i wired my 100 amp with a 4 GA wire

 

[mdjay]

The bigger the better!

A separate ground from the case to the chassis is also a good idea!

 

[67Dylan]

i just bought a Powermaster 140 amp, 1 wire alternator from Summit. I was wondering, will this cause me any problems? ...Someone told me if I have a wire that is to small when used on a high output alternator, it can cause the power to back up within the alternator making it overheat, burn up and fail.

For 140A I'd step up to 2ga wire, you could get by w/4ga wire.

On a side note, the person who told you using a small wire can cause problems is right, but how he/she says it happens is incorrect. Not really a need to get into how it happens, just know you have to use the correct wire size and fuses or problems will ensue.

 

[GoinBroke]

Did it take Summit a long time to ship? I ordered the same alternator and it was on backorder for 3 weeks but it is due to arrive this friday at last.

 

[6FIVE_STANG]

YEA, its on back order for about 3.5 weeks. cant wait till i get it!

 

[66forfun]

summit will hook you up with an install kit if you ask....I shoulda picked up the 140 instead of the 100.

 

[70vert]

I don't want to be the naysayer at first, but I went with the uglier, more reliable 3G alt. The Powermaster is pretty, but I've heard too many stories of multiple replacements - internal regulator frying? It's a Delco unit and has a bit of a flaky reputation. Then again, could be old info, they could have their act together, yada yada . . .

 

[stangkid88]

I ordered a PowerMaster 140 amp from Summit (no backorder) and installed it a couple weeks back with the new wire that came with the alternator. Haven't had any problems so far...

 

[Cupid]

Part #

I ordered a PowerMaster 140 amp from Summit (no backorder) and installed it a couple weeks back with the new wire that came with the alternator. Haven't had any problems so far...

You wouldn't happen to have that part number would you?

 

[67Dylan]

Something else I want to add... buy your wire from a welding supply store. They have wire that is fairly cheap, resistant to heat and the elements, and very flexible; they use hundreds of strands instead of the 'other' wiring kits that include wire that has 10 strands and bends like house wire. The welding stores also sell the ends as well; they need to be hammered instead of crimped. To assist I also use shrink wrap; black for ground and red for positive. I have yet to have one 'break loose' on me.

Those that bought the summit or other brand wire kits; what gauge wire do they include?

 

[stangkid88]

You wouldn't happen to have that part number would you?

PWM-8-47140

There you go... let me know if you plan on getting this one or need any help installing it. I went with a 140 amp with a natural finish housing. If you look around Summit, they have some more options too.

As for the wire, I'm not too sure on the thickness, but it is pretty big so I'm guessing it's a 2 or 3 gauge. It looks to be 1 size smaller than battery cables, so if anyone knows what gauge those are...

 

[6FIVE_STANG]

so do you guys think i should just get the 140 amp alt.? i dont want to regret it at the end. STANGKID88, did you use your stock wiring harness or did you change it to a newer, improved wiring harness??...

 

[67chad]

(stangkid88) You posted a link for the Powermaster with the serpentine pulley. Do you have your car setup to run serpentine? I have been looking to convert for a while but with my power sterring I still have not found a good way to change over. That is with out spending a fortion on March lol.

 

[6FIVE_STANG]

so do you guys think i should just get the 140 amp alt.? i dont want to regret it at the end. STANGKID88, did you use your stock wiring harness or did you change it to a newer, improved wiring harness??...

 

[GoinBroke]

67Chad,

The one I ordered (PMW-8-47141) was the same alternator with the V - belt pulley. If you were in a rush and needed the V you could just swap pulleys.

 

[Cupid]

PWM-8-47140

There you go... let me know if you plan on getting this one or need any help installing it. I went with a 140 amp with a natural finish housing. If you look around Summit, they have some more options too.

As for the wire, I'm not too sure on the thickness, but it is pretty big so I'm guessing it's a 2 or 3 gauge. It looks to be 1 size smaller than battery cables, so if anyone knows what gauge those are...

Thanks, i'm still deciding if I want to actually change. I'm trying to figure out the advantages/disadvatages of the one wire. So far, all i've found is simplicity and more amperage. I'm not entirely sure that more amperage is an advantage. There's bound to be an alternator with more amperage out there.

 

[truck90278]

Having the higher amp alternator is good. It will ONLy provide the amperage that is required. If you only pull (require) 35 amps, that is what it will deliver. If you have a stock alternator rated for 35 or so amps, when the demand exceeds that, then lights dim and other related problems occur. With the higher apm alternator, if you put in a stereo system with amplifiers, you'll be in good shape. Good suggestion from 67Dylan about getting welding cable.

 

[ForceFed70]

I agree with the welding cable suggestion. It also works great for stereo system wiring.

A wire that is too small would be a fire hazzard if the draw is too high, but not a hazzard to the alternator itself.

FWIW... cars are comming from the factory with 140amp alternators these days and do not run anything near a 2ga wire. 2ga is overkill but is the size I would use...4ga would be fine.

 

[grim reaper joe]

hi, need help with a 6g wiring diegram
thanks joe