Alternator went out on my sons 86 GT. I want to switch to the 88(better alternator) but the plug is shaped different for the 88 and it has 3 wires as opposed to 2. What do I need to do to make this happen? Advance and autzone do no sell the plug which Dorman part# 85854. So there's that also. Where to I find a plug/pigtail?
Long story is this:
My son has an 86Gt that we put an 88 2.8 in. The alternator went out so we, mistakenly (or so we thought), bought an 86 alternator. Got it in and noticed it was for the V-belt not the serpentine. Remember this though, the car already has a serpentine belt on it. We go back and get the 88 alternator and it has the right serpentine pulley, but now the plug does not fit. Remember that i said the car already had a serpentine setup on it. So my conclusion is that the car did have an 86 alternator (because it has the 86 connection, but an 88 pulley was swapped onto it. Unfortunately my core is long gone and I cannot retrieve that pulley and put it on an 86 alternator. So at this point I want to commit to getting the 88 alternator in there. How do I make that happen?
If I missed any info just tell me what you need to know.
So to add more confusion to my fire, Gall757 posted this picture in another thread which is supposed to be an 86 setup.
When I bought an alternator for my 86 it came with a V-belt pulley on it, not a grooved pulley which is pictured above, yet this picture is still the 2 belt setup and not serpentine. I'm really confused now. If my 86 alternator I bought actually had that grooved pulley, the car would be up and running now.
I guess, push come to shove, I can go back and buy an 86 alternator and then swap the 88 pulley onto the 86. I'm assuming that would work. Does anyone know?
Patrick, thank you very much!!! I have finally figured out the problem, and its because of your comment in that other thread. I went on the web site and compared pictures and even though it say its a alternator for a V6 fiero gt on the receipt, they in fact did sell my son an alternator for a 4 cylinder vehicle. The correct alternator for a V-6 does come with the grooved pulley. I'm really ticked at Advance, this happens all too often. I sent my son to buy the part, alone, because I was mad at him. He was lazy and didnt get this checked out when I told him to and it put me in a bind. Well I pouted and refused to help, and it ended up making things worse. It cost me more time and him more money. Hopefully we both learn a lesson from this.
Jim
[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 09-22-2015).]
One last question. It might seem stupid but after these mix ups, it's warranted. Will the 88 alternator fit the 86 bracket? Are there any other clearance or fit issues?
One last question. It might seem stupid but after these mix ups, it's warranted. Will the 88 alternator fit the 86 bracket? Are there any other clearance or fit issues?
Looks like they are not exactly the same. Sold out one says for CS130 w/light and the second one, and in stock says CS130 without light. Will that make a difference, other than the idiot light working or not? It appears to be the only other option on E-Bay right now.
Jim
[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 09-23-2015).]
Will that make a difference, other than the idiot light working or not?
You'll need a second opinion on this (as I'm no electrical wizard), but on at least some applications, the "idiot light" is necessary to excite the alternator. Yes, I'm serious! Otherwise, it won't charge (on applications where it's necessary).
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-24-2015).]
You'll need a second opinion on this (as I'm no electrical wizard), but on at least some applications, the "idiot light" is necessary to excite the alternator. Yes, I'm serious! Otherwise, it won't charge (on applications where it's necessary).
Me neither, thats why I posed the question. I was reading in Orgres Cave and I think it does make a difference. If it does make a difference, the next hurdle is determine which adapter I need. The alternator is installed at this point. I just need to figure out which adapter, and then plug it in, tighten the belt and it's ready to go.
Well since I havent got a "definitive" answer, I went ahead and bought the adapter with the idiot light. If it doesnt work, im out $15, big whoop. I went ahead and put the alternator in and now all I have to do is plug the harness in and tighten the belt when it arrives. After 3 times of this, I'm getting good. It only took me 20 minutes to get it back in. Practice, practice, practice!
Question: Converting from 1986 gt to 88 alternator, does the new alternator come with a serpentine pulley, and if so how many ribs?
The pulley on the alternator is setup for a grooved belt, I'll have to get back to you about how many grooves, but it should be the same as the crank pulley, I would think. However, I have an 88 engine in an 86 car so do not quote me on that.
....... (as I'm no electrical wizard), but on at least some applications, the "idiot light" is necessary to excite the alternator. Yes, I'm serious! Otherwise, it won't charge (on applications where it's necessary).[/quote
I've always used the one " WITH Light " on the ones I've done (about 20 of them).
Thanks for all the help guys. Adapter is on its way. As I said, I went ahead and bought the "with light" one. BTW, I have Dickman's pulley on mine already, but thanks for the tip.
I finally got the adapter in and I drove the car for the first time today. A few issues flared up. The tach does not work now and im pretty sure I plugged it (VSS) back in. (I unplugged it for clearance) I say pretty sure because it is pouring down rain (noreaster) and I didnt want to get under the car. What else could be wrong? Also the voltage light came on a couple of times even though it appears to be holding charge at around 13 volts. Lastly, maybe totally unrelated, im getting the low oil pressure light in turns. It has never done this before, and oil level is good. Thoughts?
Hi Jim, Do I hear ya about rain! I live outside of Seattle, WA.
I would suggest checking / cleaning wiring connections, especially all the grounding points. see the article link below, helped solve a lot of problems for me. Sounds like something might have gotten loosened up. EVERYONE with a V6 please Read by $Rich$
Keep us updated on your progress so we can chim in with ideas.
I've already got the extra ground strap, thanks for the suggestion anyway. Actually had a pretty clear day today, just intermittent rain. We had to play catch up on some other stuff. I did do a little checking and the VSS is plugged in. I guess I'll tighten the belt again and make sure connections are firm as well as clean them up and then go from there.
If my 86 alternator I bought actually had that grooved pulley, the car would be up and running now.
