My alternator normally shows approx 14 volts on the gauge But recently it started fluctuating between 12 and 14 volts. When on 12v, I can manually set my meter on the battery and get 11.9v Now my question, the alternator is internally regulated. So what year Buicks came with internally regulated. There's no alternator re-builders near me and its much faster to order one from Autozone/Advance and switch it out. Just want to make sure Im getting a internally regulated Alt back.
Autozone??? I should spank you!ou::bla: 1972 was the first year but there are a few early 72's with external.
I know I know... but the one closest to me has a guy there that Ive always have good success with. Ill wait in line just to work with him. So If I order one for a 73 Lesabre with a 455 it should be fine. I think stock they were 55 amp, Autozone has 63 amp for $49 with $10 core.
As long as you get one for your generation motor you'll be fine. You could go as high as the '76 455 if you want and it shouldn't be an issue. Just make sure that if you switch from the external to internal you wire it right. If you're just swapping internal for internal than pick the amps you want to run and throw it in there. Word of caution, the autozone rebuilt units get new brushes and bearings, but they keep the old regulators in them. The most common cause of a replacement is a faulty regulator. Expect to go through 4 or 5 rebuilt units before you find one with a good internal regulator. I've yet to find a good rebuilt unit for the Caprice, but the one in it now is surviving as long as I don't put too much of a load on it.
Get a 94 Amp one from Jamie like I did. It's easy to tell the difference between an internally regulated and externally regulated alternator. The 2 wire plug on the ext. unit goes into the back of the alternator and is a different shape than the plug that goes into the top of an internally regulated alternator. The picture below is an internally regulated alternator.
Thanks Larry! Ill check that. Right now the car is on blocks to remove the axles for the bearings so I have some time. Here's what I have <img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w75/cstanley444/GS455/IMG_5380.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_5380.jpg"/>
You allready have the internal.It's a 12SI & came in 37-56-66-78 & 94amp.Do you still have a regulator on the firewall? If so post a pic of it.
No regulator on the firewall. I have the conversion kit from M&H wiring. Has a 4 pronged plug in the harness near the firewall and a the pig tail you see plugged into the alternator.
To answer your question. 1971 Riviera's has the internally regulated alternator. The 72 Skylark still had external regulator but the alternator was a 12si ( internal regulator case) without the internal regulator.
is there any problem updating to a 94 amp alternator where the vehicle has the old original wiring about the car?
