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siguccs's avatar
siguccs
Explorer
May 16, 2014

Heavy duty 12v alternator?

My 1989 chevrolet p30 class A Winnebago with 100,000 miles has required 3 replacement alternators, for various reasons (failed diodes, seized bearings) Now I need a fourth one (105 amp CS130 Delco). I'd like to buy a more heavy duty alternator. Has anyone tried this?
  • I recently replaced the anemic undersized alternator on my Ford 6.0 with a DC Power unit. Happy so far - puts out as much amps at idle as the OEM one did at driving speed.
  • Depending on which CS 130 you have, A CS 144 series delco alternator May fit in its place.They were OE equipment on Cadillac cars as well as some models of Chevrolet tahoes.

    IIRC the amperage rating on them is around 140 amps ,Internally they are basically the same alternator as the 22 si delco alternators used on large trucks.
  • I picked up a spare heavy duty alternator for our B+ for our trip to Alaska last year that I believe was 180 amp at an "starter/alternator exchange" repair shop. An OEM alternator was quoted to me by NAPA at $275-$325, I purchased a "new" 180 amp "take-off" that the repair shop obtained from an ambulance converter in Elkhart IN for $125.
  • Check out the alternators that are used on Police Cruisers. I think they are around 150-170 Amp due to all the electronics.
  • The late eighties early nineties, some, had alternators that had a diode that was always going out. I've forgotten the terminolgy of the design.
    Any alternator can be used if it is equipped with the proper regulators. A larger regulator needs a higher capacity regulator whether internal or external.
    Gas engines spin faster than our diesels so have to take pullie size and output, at what rpm ,in to consideration.
    AND wiring if much larger alternator possibly.
  • 105 amp is on the small side, just change the application data when you search out for an alternate vehicle. P 30 is GM, so search for heavy duty GM alternators
  • yeah i replaced mine with a heavy duty off road racing alternator from a place in Michigan

    about 7 yrs ago, now drive a different RV
  • Sure. Goggle Alternators and you'll find all kinds of them. The favorite was a fire service rated one used in the chiefs Surburban that was somewhere around 180-200. You might need to do a duplex pulley because they can tug pretty hard