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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: delizious on August 29, 2012, 06:43:00 PM

Title: Alternator
Post by: delizious on August 29, 2012, 06:43:00 PM
So I recently bought a 500 watt amp and didn't realize that my alternator couldn't handle it, I'm assuming I have to either totally change the charging system OR install two or more batteries? I don't know how to approach this situation I'm really bad with electrical stuffs.
Title: Re: Alternator
Post by: Bigtimmay on August 29, 2012, 08:32:19 PM
You will need to install a larger alternator not more batteries. Search for 3g alternator install they make a 130amp that can easily be found in salvage yards for cheap. And the work needed to install one isnt too complicated.
Title: Re: Alternator
Post by: delizious on August 29, 2012, 08:56:24 PM
Yea sounds about right, but what I don't get right now is why my car isn't turning over at all it just clicks from the solenoid from time to time. Maybe a loose wire of some sort..
Title: Re: Alternator
Post by: Bigtimmay on August 29, 2012, 09:05:13 PM
Quote from: delizious on August 29, 2012, 08:56:24 PM
Yea sounds about right, but what I don't get right now is why my car isn't turning over at all it just clicks from the solenoid from time to time. Maybe a loose wire of some sort..
Sounds like your right on track with a loose or corroded wire. could be a bad solenoid too though.
http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Projects/3G_Alternator/3G_Alternator.html (http://chrisb.users.superford.org/Bronco/Projects/3G_Alternator/3G_Alternator.html)
That's a pretty good write up on a 3g install
Title: Re: Alternator
Post by: delizious on August 29, 2012, 09:11:46 PM
I just replaced the positive battery wire and solenoid and bought a new battery. -.-
Title: Re: Alternator
Post by: Bigtimmay on August 29, 2012, 09:14:48 PM
Quote from: delizious on August 29, 2012, 09:11:46 PM
I just replaced the positive battery wire and solenoid and bought a new battery. -.-
Is the starter bad?
 
Title: Re: Alternator
Post by: delizious on August 29, 2012, 09:38:35 PM
The starter is the square thing or the cylinder thing? The electrical box is square right? I just replaced that about a year ago.. I'm really bad with electrical systems >.<
Title: Re: Alternator
Post by: oldkayaker on August 30, 2012, 02:42:03 AM
"I just replaced the positive battery wire and solenoid and bought a new battery."  Do not forget the negative battery cable and its connections.  Since the components are in series, any one could cause excessive voltage drop (like weak link in chain syndrome).
 
Just guessing, the square thing could be the voltage regulator (bolted on the sheet metal).  If the cylinder thing is bolted low on the bellhousing, that would be the starter.
Title: Re: Alternator
Post by: r4pinto on August 30, 2012, 11:30:59 AM
Quote from: delizious on August 29, 2012, 09:38:35 PM
The starter is the square thing or the cylinder thing? The electrical box is square right? I just replaced that about a year ago.. I'm really bad with electrical systems >.<

The starter is a motor that actually cranks over the engine & is mounted on the passenger side of the engine at the transmission on the 2.3s. There is also a cable that goes from the starter, to the solenoid. If that cable is bad you could experience some issues.
Title: Re: Alternator
Post by: Pinto5.0 on August 31, 2012, 05:25:30 PM
Clean & tighten ALL battery connections, grounds, starter & solenoid positive connections & see what that does. You have a bad connection or corrosion somewhere.
 
I've run as much as 2200 watts, 4 subs, 6 midrange & tweets off a stock GM alternator & 1000 amp battery & never had issues. If your lights dim with heavy bass thumps try a 1/2 Farad cap wired to the amp.