Carpokes

Darwin wrote: Fri Feb 28, 2025 3:15 am Just found out that my single wire alternator was the source of a significant battery drain. Self exciting single wire alternators are known for this, I guess...I recently swapped back to an OEM unit and my problem completely disappeared. Just for info, in case anyone else is looking at going to a single wire alternator.

Yeah, single-wire alternators are for tractors, they at some point crossed into the aftermarket as an "upgrade" with idiot-proof wiring, which is great for a very simple '32 Ford hot rod, not as great for a car with modern engine management, high-wattage headlights, stereo, etc.

Good info here:

http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical ... wire.shtml

cda951 wrote: Fri Mar 07, 2025 9:38 pm

Darwin wrote: Fri Feb 28, 2025 3:15 am Just found out that my single wire alternator was the source of a significant battery drain. Self exciting single wire alternators are known for this, I guess...I recently swapped back to an OEM unit and my problem completely disappeared. Just for info, in case anyone else is looking at going to a single wire alternator.

Yeah, single-wire alternators are for tractors, they at some point crossed into the aftermarket as an "upgrade" with idiot-proof wiring, which is great for a very simple '32 Ford hot rod, not as great for a car with modern engine management, high-wattage headlights, stereo, etc.

Good info here:

http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical ... wire.shtml

If only I knew this before I went through all the trougle of converting! Now I have a nice paperweight for an alternator with no real way of unloading it!

dme wrote: Fri Mar 07, 2025 3:32 pm

Darwin wrote: Fri Feb 28, 2025 3:15 am Just found out that my single wire alternator was the source of a significant battery drain. Self exciting single wire alternators are known for this, I guess...I recently swapped back to an OEM unit and my problem completely disappeared. Just for info, in case anyone else is looking at going to a single wire alternator.

When my Nissan alternator failed it would drain the battery while sitting overnight. I have a lifetime warranty on my Autozone Nissan/Mercury alternator so the failure didn't cost me anything but time for R&R.

This has me curious if I have a failure or not, but my alternator has less than 2k miles on it and I bought it probably 8 years ago from autozone in UT (now I live in CA) I swapped back to stock and my voltage is fine and my problem is gone. Hopefuly someone can learn from all of this!

I didn't know that any 944 had a "check engine" light.

chrischrischris wrote: Wed Apr 09, 2025 11:58 am I didn't know that any 944 had a "check engine" light.

Not sure what model years it was first introduced with, but the dash cluster I installed in my car and is shown in the picture earlier was from an 87 parts car I had. The original dash in my 86 did not have the check engine light IIRC.

So what's the good source for an alternator? Straight from Nissan? Plus where to buy a 6 rib pulley for it?

Did that new bracket get made?

edit: NM, decided to keep my Nissan alternator for a later install.

For those looking to retain the OE Bosch 90A/115A alternators, I now have all the parts and cores to start rebuilding.
Yet another on the endless list of parts I rebuild... Drop me a note if interested.

Rick
Oak Creek, WI

rheidtman wrote: Sat Jan 24, 2026 8:54 am For those looking to retain the OE Bosch 90A/115A alternators, I now have all the parts and cores to start rebuilding.
Yet another on the endless list of parts I rebuild... Drop me a note if interested.

Rick
Oak Creek, WI

What's your price on rebuilds? My car needs the smaller alternator, but I've got plenty of cars that just need a regular one.

My rate for a 90 or 115A OE Bosch alternator is $375, plus a core charge of $300. My preference is surely to receive the original alternator back to allow continued rebuilding....

Sadly, yes, these alternators are now getting crazy expensive. A quick review of Pelican shows a rebuilt unit is now over $1300 with a hefty core charge... 944 Online has been out of stock for months...
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/ ... DID=282971