innerware Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 Hey there. My car tonite while leaving college had real dim lights when I first started driving. I got about 2 miles and was able to get it into BART parking lot. I think my alternator has gone bye bye. I lost most of my power and my gauge read half way or a little less. After parking it still ren with the lights off but with them on it would die. That sounds like an alternator to you guys right? Could it be my voltage regulator? What are you thoughts. I need to bart over and fix it in the morning. WHo do you trust selling alternators? I know Kragen and autozone are crap but is napa any good? Thanks for all the help. Oh yeah, my radio went dead too. Turned off completely like my battery was disconnected. I figure that it is just cause I wasn't getting any power. If I change the alterator is there any tips or is it as easy as it looks. Thanks again, this forum rocks, Kyle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 It could also be the battery but I doubt it. You might want to consider going to a internally regulated alternator. The swap is very easy and you can lose the external regulator. Go to http://www.zcarcreations.com/howto/voltreg.htm For more info. You could always put in an other full battery and drive the car home. And if you decide to go standard than yes, It is very easy to change alternators in a early Z. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innerware Posted December 10, 2003 Author Share Posted December 10, 2003 Thanks for the reply. I do believe that I have an internally regulated alternator. I have a 78 and my manual says it is internal . I hope that I am right. As for replavements, is Bosch ok? Thanks again, Kyle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240zprace Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 yes, you do have an internal reg. alternator. napa and kragens have decent alternators. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
datsunlover Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 As for my expirience, you'll need a new/rebuilt alternator, AND a battery. If it was running, and then died with the lights on, it was probly running on the alternator (and killing the alternator at the same time) because the battry wasn't holding a charge. This has happened to me in a few vehicles. If you replace the alternator but have a bad battery (wont hold charge) it will kill that alternator too. Same is true in reverse: Dead/dying alternator will drain a battery, and a new battery will get drained/killed. I just play it safe now, and replace both at once if I have to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innerware Posted December 11, 2003 Author Share Posted December 11, 2003 Thanks for all the advice guys. I replaced the alternator today and jumped the car and all seems fine. The test will be in how long the alternator lasts. But I drove all over and started and stopped the engine, plus I ran all my lights, hazards, radio, rear defroster, etc and still it ran. So I think that all it was, was the alternator. It is nice to have people reassure you as to what you think it could be. Thanks again, this place rocks, Kyle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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