Alternators

[I66coupe]

I broke the alternator case while beating the thing off my engine with a big hammer (go figure).

Are the '66 alternators any different between the 6 cylinder cars and the V8s? Getting the Mustang ready for the summer and need a nice new alternator. Maybe even get a chrome one! Gotta impress the ladies ya know.

 

[CobraSix]

I hear the chrome ones have a problem with overheating and ending up with short lives. I think they are all the same though. I know the wiring harnesses are the same.

Slade

 

[I66coupe]

Really don't need a chrome one. Just need a replacement. I'll paint it with clear to keep it looking good. Just needed to know if they are the same as the V8 so I'll know what to say at the parts store.

P.S. it will be ok if the manufacturer has their name on it.

Thanks, Slade

 

[MustangSix]

Almost any Ford alternator from 1965-1986? will work. Same hookups, size, regulator.

 

[addo]

I've seen a retro-styled high amperage one recently. Might be an option if you run stereo gear.

 

[I66coupe]

Nothing high powered in the car. Just need a new one. Definitly need an orginal looking one.

Are the alternators available at the parts stores different from the original?

 

[Anonymous]

Just bought one at Autozone, 60 Amp retro style, $39.95 lifetime warr.

Brian

 

[CobraSix]

They are different...but generally the same. But it's really only a concern if you were keeping your car concours show. Otherwise, they work great, and if you are like me with alternators, the lifetime warranty is nice. I kill alternators on average 1 a year. My old exploder...went through 3 in a month...all free. My 65, went through 2 this year though one of those was actually caused by my wiring it up wrong and it wasn't charging, I blamed the alternator, their testing machine was down, so I got a new one free.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

i personally got a 90 amp one. I of course was putting in a stereo also, but the extra amps help keep my light running nice and also give me some extra breathing room if i want to add anything, like maybe that hardtop convertiable kit ive been looking at... Hmmmmm... But anyways, the alt was out of a late model mustang and looks exactly like the old one, just has more copper in there. Just ask what other alts are available for my car and they will slap you with a list of them, i think there were about 20 when i looked.

 

[I66coupe]

Thanks guys. I'll be going to a boneyard tomorrow and I'll get a look at what they got.

 

[addo]

Generally speaking, an externally regulated alternator should be calibrated with the regulator. Swapping only one or the other may invite problems.

Regards, Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

pleaz don`t say that I just finaly got the wiring done from the engin swap oh just in case you didn`t know its a 1982 302 now but just untill I get the 250 built up

 

[MustangSix]

I knhow that there are some Bosch alternators on some Oz vehicles that you have to adjust, but all US alternators and regulators are pretty much sealed up and no adjustment is usually possible or necessary. Just ensure the connections are clean and tight.

 

[I66coupe]

Uh, ya. I didn't think of this. Are the new alternators internally regulated?

 

[Anonymous]

you can order them either way, when i got mine i chose to keep the external reg. I like to keep cause it adds a more stock look to the car plus its one more part i can make all pretty by painting it.

 

[Anonymous]

Ford's alternators, other than amp capacity, fall into 3 rough categories: those with external regulators, those with internal regulators and those designed for trucks, with the long 4" foot mount.

In the auto versions, there are sub-types, those with or without the "extra" terminal on the back for use with electric chokes.

Look under your hood: you probably hav ethe kind with external regulator, the most common type for early Mustangs. If you have electric choke, find a new one with that extra terminal on the back or else your choke won't open.

It does not matter if you use electronic or electro-mechanical regulators. Either type will work with either version of Ford's alternators, if they are externally-regulated.

Alternators consist of 4 basic parts, if you want to rebuild one: the stator (the shaft with all the wires on it), the bearings, the brushes and the diode pack on the back. All of these parts are cheap and easily replaced, if you are so inclined.