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?

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.

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

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

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

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

eh?

Alfred, err Kreiger,

that's not very nice.

Perfect example of what I'm talkin' about.

its all fun and games-

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

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.

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

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

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

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......

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

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....

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

Alfred

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.....

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.....

Check out how Griznant did it in this thread.

Alfred

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

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

Alfred

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.....