Difference between an aternator for manual and for an AT

[rpickle]

Hi. Anyone know what the difference is between an alternator for an automatic and one for a manual? All I could see is that the auto alternator puts out an extra 5 amps. I need to know if there is anything else different, like mounting and/or connections.

This is for my 1988 L.

Thanks

Rick

[Tom]

The belt is differant because the pulley on the alternators is differant, sometimes the wiring is differant but they work and work good either way, the small one is not as good as the big one though, it just holds its own and sometimes doesn't hold its own, a just slightly loose belt and it doesn't charge enough and to tight ruines everything.

[rpickle]

Thanks Tom. So what kind of belt does the auto alternator need? I should be able to swap pulley's between my alternator and the auotmatic alternator, right?

Have my eye on one and want to make sure I'm not getting something else that will just end up laying around the shed......

Rick

[Tom]

One belt is slightly shorter or longer than the other, enough that it won't work, not sure about changing pulleys, I usually just put the other belt on.

[ajb999]

another question on this subject. i installed a hatch w/ rear defrost on my manual car from an automatic. mine didn't have it before. it seems to take quite a while for my r. defrost to work. could this be from the lower amps of my alternator? thanks.

[packrat427]

It take a long time for that voltage to travel thru that itty bitty wire :lol: :lol:

[ramichael]

My rear defrost takes awhile to get warm too.

[skeeters_keeper]

^^yep, mine too. just a fairly cheap system thats all.... at least it works

[ajb999]

thanks. i figured that was the case. it is definitely nice to have.