ok, so I have an '82, and my bettery guage lately has been sitting at like 10-11 volts most times, I have to rev the engine kinda high most times to not almost stall due to this. yesterday, sitting at a light however it was a little above 10 and suddenly jumped to 13. has always fluctuyated a little, but has gotten much worse. do I need a new alternator? or a battery? is there anything else I should check? I dont know too much about cars, but I am learning, and I learn quick. how can I tell what amps my current alt is? there is a plate set in it but it looks more like a serial number or something, nothing to indicate amps. can someone tell me how to interpret this number into amps?

tia,

Anvar

 

It sounds to me like it is your alt on its way out (specifically the voltage regulator). To be sure, though, take it to your local AutoZone and they will test it for free. I am not sure if I would buy the new alt from AutoZone. They offer a lifetime warranty, but often people will go through several AutoZone alts before they get one that works.

I would look at getting a second gen alt (used). It will be an upgrade from what you have now and you should be able to get one real cheap either on here or eBay. An alt out of an 87-88 TII will give you 70 amp output with no mods required (direct bolt in). If you are willing to do some simple wiring, you could get an S5 alt (89-91) turbo or NA that will give 80 amp output. This thread will give you some more info on what is required to upgrade the alt:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/electrical-2nd-gen-alt-1st-gen-388262/

BTW: your alt should have a 55 amp output

Kent

 

First make sure all grounds are clean and tight. Make sure there is a ground strap from the frame/body to the engine/transmission.

Vernon

 

ya check your fuseable link too. I had a 81 that wasn't charging and one of my fuseable links was loose.

 

I've actually had the above problem (ie: low voltage reading for a while, then very high reading just before it died) and it was the alternator. Easy to replace using a pry bar and hand wrenches. Only takes ten minutes to do yourself, but a shop will often charge you one hours' labor.

Best to buy from an alternator rebuilding facility rather than a garage--- this cuts out the middle man. Mazda will charge you more than double for a rebuilt--- which they probably got from one of the above-mentioned rebuild facilities.

 

1) Get a Second Generation Alt, bigger output
2) Make sure the battery cables are good on BOTH ends, not just at the battery or vice versa.

Same problem as me until it left me stranded one day...

- Tech

 

ok, I think a 70 amp Alt is on its way, now in the mean time I want to replace the belt (the other 2 were replaced shortly before I got the car) but ho do I get this belt on and off? do I have to remove the fan?

help...

 

You don't have to remove the fan. You can just kind of work the belt around and over the fan blades. You will have to remove the other belts first.

 

also, I have an AC unit, it works well, but I dont use it. can I just remove the belt to the AC and run without it? This will increase usable HP right?

thanks again for all the help

 

Yes and Yes.

 

must be nice, I haven't seen working AC on a first gen in like 8 or 9 years, everybody strips them off for racing over here, then they lose the parts..... I just bought a 84 turbo LTD-SE and its got most of the parts..... cept the freaking dryer, but I think I got aline on it.

Ken

 

bummer you all got to the answer before i did. i'm in UTI learning about electrical, batteries, fusible links, and wiring as we speak... so this is all fresh in my head...

 

can you do a core replacement trade in with a first gen alternator to recieve a second gen one? if so, i feel dumb that i didn't do that with mine...

 

so if I remove the belt to the AC is there anything else I need to do, or is that it? anyhting e;se I need to change (or balance, or what ever?)