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Posted by: ! Jul 19 2003, 08:20 PM

If an alternator normally runs clock wise....would it work if it
spun the other way?

My GM alternator I am using on the Type IV is not putting out juice, but it is spinning the opposite way than the alternator on my GM truck does......before I call Summitt and bitch....would this make it not charge?

Posted by: ChrisReale Jul 19 2003, 08:35 PM

I dont think it will work. In fact, I think it is bad for an alternator to spin the opposite way it is intended to.

Posted by: Alfred Jul 19 2003, 09:43 PM

Well, it would still be alternating current. Don't GM alternators have fans on their pulleys? Rotating the opposite direction would not help alternator cooling. Here are some alternator basics.

Alfred

Posted by: Aaron Cox Jul 19 2003, 09:45 PM

nice post alfred- but where did mr. jeffred schwenk go?

Posted by: Alfred Jul 19 2003, 09:56 PM

Cox, if you're typical of your generation, I'm worried for the future. It'll be a half illiterate society in a few years.

Alfred

Posted by: Aaron Cox Jul 19 2003, 09:59 PM

oh great- then the US willl be like a second canada then

eh?

Posted by: seanery Jul 19 2003, 09:59 PM

Alfred, err Kreiger,

that's not very nice.

Posted by: Alfred Jul 19 2003, 10:01 PM

Perfect example of what I'm talkin' about.

Posted by: Aaron Cox Jul 19 2003, 10:03 PM

its all fun and games-

i dont care if i get bagged on~ Honestly (sob) jk

Posted by: ChrisReale Jul 19 2003, 10:12 PM

I was told that when you spin your car, put your clutch in so you dont blow up your MPS (if you have FI) and so you dont fry your alternator.

Posted by: Mueller Jul 19 2003, 11:58 PM

An alternator will produce voltage in either direction....

Posted by: ! Jul 20 2003, 08:12 AM

So then the new alternator I bought is dead.....it only shows 12.5 volts while turning at tidle and 3,000 rpms.

Posted by: Mueller Jul 20 2003, 08:17 AM

GM single wire? Is there a load while checking the voltage? Turn on your headlights and check the voltage.

Posted by: ! Jul 20 2003, 08:25 AM

GM single...multi meter across the battery, 12.5 at ide AND 3,000 rpms.....meter at the alternator with accessories running, 12.5 volts. No charge.....\

http://web.media.mit.edu/~nathan/ne...alternator.html

BTW...kellzey posted this link.....seems to suggest that clockwise is the other way......

Posted by: Alfred Jul 20 2003, 11:40 AM

Up here in Canada, we can bring an alternator in to most Canadian Tire stores and they'll test it for free. I think I heard that some of your Flaps (or similar) will do the same.

Alfred

Posted by: ! Jul 20 2003, 12:00 PM

I already know it does not work, I just need to know if I fried by turning it the wrong way....

Unless if by testing it and then turning it clockwise suddenly makes it work....

Posted by: Alfred Jul 20 2003, 12:11 PM

Do you have a multimeter? Test your diodes - it couldn't hurt.

Alfred

Posted by: ! Jul 20 2003, 12:59 PM

This is a one wire alternator.....does it have to be grounded? I see a nut on the back opposite the power wire....nothing going to it.....

Posted by: ! Jul 20 2003, 02:45 PM

Well, here's where I f-uped......it was tested at Manny, Moe and Rice. No output....I burned the brushes by turning it backwards.

I need to go an alternator shop, have the brushes replaced and converted to CCW like a boat. GM alternators turn CW, the cooler fan needs it that way the brushes are set uyp that way....live and learn.....

Posted by: Alfred Jul 20 2003, 03:10 PM

Check out how Griznant did it in http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=116430&highlight=Alternator+problem thread.

Alfred

Posted by: ! Jul 20 2003, 08:04 PM

Good idea....his also turns Clockwise. Mine is mounted assbackwards.

Posted by: Alfred Jul 20 2003, 08:18 PM

I don't understand ... how can his turn CW and yours turns CCW?

Alfred

Posted by: ! Jul 20 2003, 08:29 PM

Depends on how I was looking at the car.....

My alternator is being turned off the same crank on a REAR engined car, but the alternator is facing the same way.....but in the back......it's turned around 180 degrees .....and so am I.....