voltage problem?

[nahurry]

i seem to be having a problem with alternators for the last few years. it doesn't matter if it's a new alternator or a reman. the current alternator is new, and i've had it about a year and it's dead. the voltage reg is not very old and the wiring has been redone a few years back, and the belt is good and not slipping. any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. also, what is involved with converting to a zx alternator with the internal voltage regulator? by the way i have a 73 240z.

[DeesZ]

The upgrade is very simple.... even I could do it!

You can find details at:

http://www.classiczcars.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=11&cat=7

As for the origin of the problem, I would be tempted to swap out the external voltage reg. I have had some over the years that "tested" well, but didn't "perform" well in the long run. But if you do the upgrade, you remove the external reg. anyway. I'm electrically challenged, so I'm sure others may have some good advice about the origin of your issues.

[nahurry]

thank you!! i will look into this solution this week. i think i will go with the turbo alternator.

[EScanlon]

If you're burning up alternators, part of the car's circuitry isn't fully operational. The alternator is simply trying to generate MORE electrical charge from the small amount it draws from the battery. That it's burning up is either because the regulator isn't working properly or because part of the circuit is not connecting properly.

At a guess, I would first check your grounds for the Battery and Starter, those being the two of the major draws on the system. After that, check the ground for the Headlights.

But that aside, have the alternator checked before you go exchanging items trying to chase down a small problem.

E

[rewiredz]

Was the wiring redone the exact same way?

if there was an addition of another form of resistance besides the light in the gauge, you could be creating too large

of a drop in the voltage on one side of the voltage regulator, making it charge too much. this is a little more technical,

but i thought of this cause i had a similar problem when i rewired my z, only it wouldn't charge at all.

(had two resistors on opposite sides of the regulator):stupid:

[nahurry]

i completed the 280zx alternator conversion. everything seems to working perfect. hopefully this cured my problem!