I replaced my 87 TII alt with one from an NA, each of them with the same specs onthe metal piece (believe it was 120V 70A). Anyways, the NA alt has the ground pointing up, where the turbo has it to the side to clear the intercooler. When installing the NA alt, I apparently grounded it on the intercooler. It sparked, so I taped the hell out of it so that it wouldn't do it again and tilted the intercooler enough that it was hooked up to all the vac lines and working fine. When I started the car, it idled pretty rough and initially the interior lights dimmed when I hit the brake, but then it seemed to run alright. I had to shut it down because it was burning coolant thanks to an incompetent Mazda Dealer, so I didn't get to tell if the battery was dying or not. So... after all that... do you guys think I fried the alt when it grounded, or should it still be ok, but it just made some sparks? I have two alts now and I'm debating between a Third Gen alt and selling these after rebuilds, or just rebuilding one of these and using it. Any suggestions? Thanks guys.

 

Sounds to me like everything is ok. If you draw sparks from an alternator hot wire, you are going to be drawing very high amperage, (in excess of 100 amps) even though it is for a short time. This would drain the battery some, especially if it is older. So, when first starting the car, battery voltage would have been low (additional high current drawn to start it). However, you mentioned that it seemed to run allright shortly after startup. If the alternator was not working, your dimming situation would have stayed the same/gotten worse. Since it didn't, one can only assume that the alternator recharged the battery quickly, and therefore is in fine shape. Check to see that the voltage is at least 13.5-14.0 volts at idle. That will verify what I discussed. Have a good day!

Irv, Keith's dad

 

You can take the nut of the connector and turn it sideways, it still works on mine.

 

I just wrestled with mine for 10 minutes and took that nut off, but I can't get the plastic piece to lift. I guess the metal contact for the ground is fastened somehow? dunno, but I can't get it to turn for me.

 

you mentioned putting a 3rdgen alternator on your 2ndgen, i have heard of this but have no idea how to do it. can you clue me in because i plan on adding a sound system to my T2 and the stock charging system would suffer too much.

 

Check out http://brfoundation.com/RX-7/alternator2.htm .

 

Check out my site, I've done it. Easy, effective, not TOO expensive.

www.geocities.com/rx7_ragtop click on the "my car and mods" link, then on the alternator link.

Brad