bowtiebutler
12-20-2014, 15:42
The alternator went out on my 93 K2500, which didn't surprise me, as it was an inexpensive CS130 I got on ebay that was supposed to be upgraded to a 160 amp unit. Well it didn't actually quit charging. Something was draining my batteries overnight, and I traced it to a 4 amp draw from my alternator, which meant it had a bad diode. I'd never been very happy with this alternator because when I was idling with the A/C on, headlights, stereo, etc.. it would drop to about 13v, and as soon as the rpm's came up, it would go back to about 14v.
I decided to spend an extra $20, and upgrade to a CS144, which is a larger alternator, and the one I got is rated at 140 amp, as opposed the stock CS130 being rated at 105 amp. Here is the Orielly listing for my new alternator. Ultima 8219-5B - Alternator | O'Reilly Auto Parts
The real difference with the bigger alternator, is its charging power at idle. This alternator stays at 14v or above, even with the A/C, headlights, stereo, running while idling in drive.
It was almost a direct swap. I had to make an upper bracket to replace the factory angled one, because the upper ear on the CS144 is much wider, and more robust. A piece of 1" wide strap worked perfectly after drilling a couple holes in it. I also had to purchase one 3/8"x3" long bolt, to use on the alternator. I had to get a slightly longer belt as well. I used a 6K1015 in place of my original 6K1005. I'm aware that most the factory alternators use an extra support bracket on the back of them, but mine was missing when I got my truck, and I never had a problem. It should be stronger than before, as the larger alternator has a much stronger upper mounting ear than the one it replaced. The plug for the CS144 is the same one used on the CS130, so everything plugged in, and worked perfectly. I had already upgraded the charge wire going to the alternator to a 4ga. wire, so that was already good to go. I took pics to show the differences in the alternators, as well as the new upper bracket. I think this swap should be the same for trucks up to 95 , or the ones that have the alternator on the drivers side. Thanks
Matt
It will take 2 posts to get all the pics in.
I decided to spend an extra $20, and upgrade to a CS144, which is a larger alternator, and the one I got is rated at 140 amp, as opposed the stock CS130 being rated at 105 amp. Here is the Orielly listing for my new alternator. Ultima 8219-5B - Alternator | O'Reilly Auto Parts
The real difference with the bigger alternator, is its charging power at idle. This alternator stays at 14v or above, even with the A/C, headlights, stereo, running while idling in drive.
It was almost a direct swap. I had to make an upper bracket to replace the factory angled one, because the upper ear on the CS144 is much wider, and more robust. A piece of 1" wide strap worked perfectly after drilling a couple holes in it. I also had to purchase one 3/8"x3" long bolt, to use on the alternator. I had to get a slightly longer belt as well. I used a 6K1015 in place of my original 6K1005. I'm aware that most the factory alternators use an extra support bracket on the back of them, but mine was missing when I got my truck, and I never had a problem. It should be stronger than before, as the larger alternator has a much stronger upper mounting ear than the one it replaced. The plug for the CS144 is the same one used on the CS130, so everything plugged in, and worked perfectly. I had already upgraded the charge wire going to the alternator to a 4ga. wire, so that was already good to go. I took pics to show the differences in the alternators, as well as the new upper bracket. I think this swap should be the same for trucks up to 95 , or the ones that have the alternator on the drivers side. Thanks
Matt
It will take 2 posts to get all the pics in.