Re:[alfa] Bigger Capacity Spider alternator was 164 Alternator Core

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi Bernie:

I've always had '74 & earlier Spider's, and was in for a big surprise when 
I got an '87 Spider a few years ago.  Same as you described; low voltage 
inside the cockpit and silly-slow power windows (and wipers, too).  I 
replaced the B+ wire from the alternator to the power junction on the inner 
fender with a new length of 8-gauge, and also ran the same from the 
alternator to the B+ on the starter.  Then, from the power junction, 
another length of 8-gauge to the fusebox.  The dash gauge mostly hovers 
around 13 volts, but I always read 14+ at the battery, and all is well with 
the power windows, H4 headlights,  wipers, defroster,  etc.  Total cost was 
<$20, and a few hours of time.

Before all that the car needed a new battery and terminals on the main 
battery cables (NAPA had some very high quality crimp-on pieces), but that 
didn't change very much.

Almost forgot to mention that before the new wires I also replaced the 
alternator with a 75A rebuilt unit, and swapped out the stock VR with an 
adjustable one from Vick AutoSport.  The new rebuilt was outputting about 
13.5V, which is a bit low, and I now have the adjustable VR set to 14.5V.

But, to be sure I'm speaking clearly on this point, the big improvement on 
my Spider was all in those B+ cables.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's

At 11:26 PM 5/20/2004, you wrote:

> Date: Thu, 20 May 2004 22:24:51 -0500
> From: Bernie & Diana Bennett <bennetts77833@domain.elided>
> Subject: Re: [alfa] Bigger Capacity Spider alternaror  was 164 Alternator Core
>
> Nathan:
>
> My mechanic has put in a higher capacity Delco that is the same size but
> higher output than my '92 spider alt.
> I'm not sure the alternator is the issue with my (these) car(s).  I
> believe that there are wiring or grounding issues, there is a 2+ volt
> drop between alternator output (indicated on both dash gauge and meter
> on battery) vs output at cigarette lighter (and car is currently in the
> shop having rest of its wiring evaluated, slow electric windows & air
> conditioning fan and other symptoms.)
> Anyone else been dealing with low voltage in series 4 spiders?
>
> Best Wishes,
> Bernie Bennett
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