What kind of alternator does a car before the 1970s have?

Cars made before the late 1970s have an alternator with an external voltage regulator. On European cars, they’re sometimes called a “three-wire alternator.”

What is the wire that turns on the alternator?

• B is the alternator output wire that supplies current to the battery. • IG is the ignition input that turns on the alternator/regulator assembly. • S is used by the regulator to monitor charging voltage at the battery.

What kind of alternator does a 1973 Buick have?

1963 to 1972 Buick Externally Regulated Alternator Wiring Overview (Diagram is scanned from a 1970 Buick service manual) 1973 to 1985 Buick Internally Regulated Alternator Wiring Overview (Diagram is scanned from a 1973 Buick service manual) About now, you’ll need to start figuring out where all these wires will go to on the car itself.

Where is the voltage sensing wire on a GM alternator?

The Number 1 wire on the 10- or 12-SI is connected to the charge warning light on the dash. The Number 2 wire is what is called the voltage sensing wire. When converting from an external voltage regulator to an internal such as the 12-SI, many enthusiasts merely connect the Number 2 voltage sensing wire directly to the output terminal.

Cars made before the late 1970s have an alternator with an external voltage regulator. On European cars, they’re sometimes called a “three-wire alternator.”

When did Delco alternators start replacing DC generators?

This is just a quick visual identification guide for Delco type alternators. First Alternator used on GM Vehicles to replace old DC Generators. External regulator mounted on the firewall. First used in 1963 on the Corvette. First internally regulated alternator used by GM. Replaced the externally regulated 10DN. Again, first used on the Corvette.

How to identify your GM alternator USA built high output?

This is just a quick visual identification guide for Delco type alternators. First Alternator used on GM Vehicles to replace old DC Generators. External regulator mounted on the firewall.

Where can I find the alternator regulator plug?

Both the regulator and its three-pronged plug can simply be left in the engine compartment to retain the appearance of originality. A very minor adaptation is needed to connect the D+ line from the dashboard warning light to the back of the new alternator. D+, as I said, is one of the three wires in the three-prong connector.

What kind of wiring does an alternator use?

Typical Alternator Wiring. This is the ground connection. Typical alternators have this terminal although some alternators don’t as they are grounded directly to the engine. The wire that connects to this terminal is black and the opposite end attaches to a metal part of the car. Check if your alternator has a terminal marked “Ign” or “L.”…

Where does the fat B + wire go on an alternator?

The fat B+ wire that goes to the battery or fuse box attaches to the threaded post in exactly the same way it did on the original alternator. Both the regulator and its three-pronged plug can simply be left in the engine compartment to retain the appearance of originality.

How can I tell if I have an alternator problem?

To differentiate an alternator problem from the battery, you will need to use a voltmeter to check for voltage. First, turn off the engine and check the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should have a reading of 12.65 volts. Next, turn on the engine and recheck the voltage. You should have a reading of 13.5 to 14.5 volts.

What kind of alternator does a car before the 1970s have?