I had some crazy electrical problems since I purchased my 84 Gsl-se from the non running lane of a local auction for 300.00. I figured out quickly that it was the fuel pump (after fresh plugs and setting timing (which was off)). The fuel pump test terminal under the hood is a great troubleshooting device. Anyway, I had a problem with the car the alternator (Which looked brand new) would sometimes show 12volts on the gauge sometimes a little over 12. Hmmmm.. I added the additional positive terminal lead to the battery (From the alternator positive output terminal). Dressed into the wireing loom so it looks totally stock. Cleaned all my fusable links, new grounding straps, new positive terminal starter cable. Still low output on the alternator. Lucky for me the junkyard just got a trashed turbo II (with alternator). I got the alternator for 10 bucks. (risky but hey the car ran and seemed to be discharging lots of volts.) Popped that puppy in (bolt in job) and now on the meter 13.8 volts rock steady at idle. Amazing, my fuel pump now works correctly (can you say save 170 bucks!), all my mystery clicking and flashing of idiot lights went away. If you have wierd problems electronically with the Gsl-se check the alternator. Dont think because its new it is good those reman parts can be defective. Best bet is to get a 2nd gen alternator and slap it on, and add the extra wire to the positive terminal. I highly recommend it. Now all my lights are bright and I can actually see outside at night. All my accessories started working again. Rear window defroster, wiper, washer, etc . Now if only I can figure out my stereo gremlins (why the right channel sometimes dies) I will be happy!

Hugh

 

sounds like you've picked up a hell of a deal. congrats.

 

what did u do to get the alt to fit? did u use any spacers? or was it just drop right in? i believe you have to change some wires and stuff... anyways let us know

 

wow $300 bucks for an SE.. what a deal!!.. how does it run by the way?? zoom zoom?

 

Sweet deal! You will have to show us some pics of your new ride.

 

its a direct swap, i did it to my 85 gsl and it bolted right in, no spacers or anything. if you do a search there is a good thread on it for the older cars that have a different connector to the back of the alt. id find it for ya but im on dialup

 

The only plug that should be different is if you use an S5 or newer alternator.

 

i got my se with a "running" (havent tried to start her yet due to ignition wiring hell) for 170 bucks

im gonna put the 13b, tranny, suspension, and rearend in my 81 automatic

-greg

 

Dude I gotta get me a TII alternator!

Right on.

 

Im not sure if its the TII alt that makes the dif or the extra wire but I hear from my parts guy (the guru Jim Hull of Fairfax Va) that the second gen alternators have a higher output rating than the first gen alts..

Just my 2 cents.

Hugh

Next mods.. After market wheels and lowered springs. (gotta get those 16inch wheels on hehehe)

Any suggestions. I was thinking some fitipaldis or Enkie ( but I want light and strong and reasonable prices)

 

Series 4 TII alternator= 70 or 80 amps (I forget which)

Series 3 alternator= 55 amps

 

The N/A alts are less I think...Like 70 amps, and the TIIs are 80 amps.

~T.J.

 

Car is bone stock. runs great. Has some minor rust but the suspension points are good. Slight leak on the oil cooler lines and buzzer goes off at 6k. I think the fuel pump problem discouraged whoever owned the car. It had a jiffy lube sticker that was good for another 2000 miles so it had a recent oil change. I think I got lucky

 

Haha, no **** man, lol .

~T.J.

 

Here are some pics of my non smoking car. I call her smokey (After Chris tucker' character in fridays).

 

thats one nice lookin ride any more pics?

 

congrats!

 

Here is another pic of Smokey, and a pic of the dash gauge after the mod (with all the accessories on..)

 

Here is another pic of Smokey, and a pic of the dash gauge after the mod (with all the accessories on..)

 

Dash gauges