Fans

[Thermal Izod]

Ok, I know there are posts about this, but I'm unclear, and didn't wanna restart an old posting....

My question is, if I do put some dual electric fans on my 1982 K10 305ci, will the stock alt support the fans?  Does it put out enough power?  or am I looking at a new alt to do this?

Thanks in advance!

[VileZambonie]

It depends on what your alternator puts out. Figure 40 amp draw just for your fans if you want dual fans. Make sure the alternator you put in has a WYE stator windings and not a Delta.

[Thermal Izod]

ok vile, you lost me there...I admit, i'm a bit of an electrical 'tard, so can you break that down Barney-style for me?  Thanks for your help though...

[Irish_Alley]

basic numbers i think if you have ac your alt is prob pushing 78 amps w/o ac your going to 63 amps they do make a 94 amp alt that would deft cover the fans

[VileZambonie]

Alternators are rated in amperage. Ex 78 amp 90 amp 100 amp etc. If you have a stereo, amp, lights, fans, etc etc you need to have the ability to put out enough amperage at idle and any other speeds to accomodate your electrical loads. If yours is inadequate then you will need to upgrade. Just make sure the alternator you chose uses WYE (looks like a Y) stator windings versus Delta (looks like a triangle) stator windings. Basically Wye puts out higher amperage at lower speeds. Delta puts out higher amperage at higher speeds. Just get a high output alternator at low speeds You can get a 105A chrome job for $70 bucks.

[78 Chevyrado]

Not to hijack the thread, though this may be relevant to the original question....

I notice that all the aftermarket upgraded 100+ amp alts are a one-wire hook up.  my stock alt had 3 wire I'm pretty sure.  what would I have to do to make the one wire alternator work in my 3 wire wiring harness?  do I only hook up the battery lead and leave the other one's unconnected?

[VileZambonie]

On the OE alternator the field wires are on two seperate terminals. Since the field sense and field control uses the same circuitry it just simplifies everything for a neater clear look. All you need to do is hook up the B+ wire and it's case grounded.

[kiowamec]

I would run it till it quits.
If it does quit, pick up a CS144.