LT Texan

A few months ago I installed a Delco alternator and was extremely pleased to see 13.5 volts on the voltage meter.

As the car warmed up, I would see voltage readings drop to 12.5 volts on the meter.

I wondered if the alternator was getting a bit heat soaked.

So I did a little test. I used my multimeter to read the voltage at the jump post under the hood with these things on:
16 in radiator fan
14 in condensor fan
headlights
aircon on with fan full blast

I read 13.3 volts. Inside the meter was reading 12 volts.

So I think I have some work to do inside the cabin.

(btw, the dash voltage meter still bounces when anything comes on - blinkers, brake lights, etc.)

[EDIT] The above readings were taken at idle, about 900 rpm.

Landseer

Both of mine act similarly w/ Delco. I don't view it as a problem. The daily driver in particular has been using it for about 18 months. Seems ok.

rawky

Hi Dan,
Where did you get your Delco from??
Cheers

LT Texan

got it from autozone. It's the one for the V6 Camaro as documented in a few threads here.

Oh Newcastle, I just saw.

Wonder if you could cross reference to a GM product in the UK?

rawky

Thats what I'm thinking, the only GM company in the UK is Vauxhall/Opel....

I couldn't find any of those threads on the Camaro alternator, where exactly are they??

LT Texan

just search Delco and alternator in the 928 forum and you'll get plenty.

The Delco alternator is pretty run of the mill common. The DS130. I got a generic rebuild for mine.

Here's one thread....

delco alternator

Alan

Dan - its clear that your voltage gauge issue is unrelated to the alternator... you need to trace the voltage fluctuations (and differential) to the source - check the voltage at the top of the CE panel as well as at the pod see where the connection issue is.

Alan

rawky

How much better is the delco modification than just having the normal alternator overhauled??

Landseer

Its supposed to have a little more ampearage and is lighter and I think shorter in length. Only works on 4.5 or 4.7 blocks, BTW, unless you install old bracket and steering pump on 5 L block. You need to delete the air duct shroud and have to tie up or clip the original cooler hose (upper end in fender needs to stay as it contains the outside temp sensor). Delco is less sealed, more exposed to water spray for one thing, especially if run without belly pan.

I had Paris-Rhone originals on my 84's. The Bosches on my other cars look to be more substantial.

Nut shells got into one of them and did some collateral damage, the other was quoted at $120 to repair, vs $75 for the Delco, available instantly.

Preference is original. If you don't have to switch, then don't. Repair yours. For me, the switch was economical and covenient for driver cars that will never see a car show. It was more about money at that time and not having to wait and avoiding the uncertainty of an Alt rebuild where the bearings weren't going to be replaced. I kept the plastic air duct shrouds and can reverse-back at a later date. That said, they do work great.

6mil928

The volt meters are crap. Mine reads what ever the hell it wants when ever it wants. I created a plug in volt meter to keep an eye on it. It may become a permanent fixture very soon.