Will this alternator work?

[Bob Avellar]

This is a 1 wire replacement alternator but i guess the small wire is supposed to be taped off and not used and the idiot light will no longer function. I don't mind the idea of the idiot light not being part of the charging circuit since when a bulb blows out or if it gets loose the alt won't charge. But I wonder if the ECM won't get voltage readings from the alternator and this would cause no readings or wrong readings when monitored by directscan. Also the voltage correction factors that the ECM might use for some functions would probably not work???? Or does the ECM get it's info from some other point? I don't know if any of these issues are valid concerns or not? Does anyone have any experience with this type of replacement alternator? I am not going to rebuild the one I have so I need to purchase one outright. Any ideas???? Here is the alternator.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7911982216&category=33573

 

[Bob Avellar]

Sorry, this is the correct link. I am just planning to use a 160 amp alt.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7911982208&category=33573

 

[salvageV6]

Bob, I put the Chrome '85 GN alternator on my 87 and it's a one wire alternator from Ramchargers.

Fitment wasn't ideal but that isn't your question anyway.

The one wire offers no difference other than the field being self regulated internally and the loss of the idiot light and wiring.

ECM will do fine and Direct Scan gives proper voltage readings.

The output wire was 6 gauge on mine and required running a new line over to the battery which was included with this kit.

I ordered the '85 by mistake but it was so purty I had to use it, plus I installed it two years after I bought it.

 

[salvageV6]

Just for clarity mine was a 140 Amp. alternator.

 

[GNVenom]

The ECM gets its voltage reference from the orange MEM wire that goes to the battery cable. The alternator you're using shouldn't have any down side except the idiot light, but as long as you have a volt meter gauge, you wouldn't need it anyway.

-John Spina

www.gnspyder.com
www.casperselectronics.com

 

[Bob Avellar]

Thanks for the info guys! Just ordered it for the buy it now price for the lifetime warranty. I was just going to replace the bearings in mine but I may as well just rebuild it since I am having a battery drain problem and pulsating lights. Takes several days to as much as a week to kill the battery. I am suspecting a leaky diode in the alternator as the possible cause. I'll just sell mine later after it is rebuilt.