1990 Plymouth Laser - increasing FE

[Project84]

When I searched dsmtalk.com the guys on there were all saying they are internal but I'm not sure if the 1.8L alternator is different from the 2.0/2.0T.

Apparently there's a Saturn S-Series alternator upgrade mod that works on 2.0L blocks, I'm trying to figure out if it'll work on the 1.8's or not because wouldn't that be nice being that I know Saturn s-cars well.

[pgfpro]

Originally Posted by Project84

When I searched dsmtalk.com the guys on there were all saying they are internal but I'm not sure if the 1.8L alternator is different from the 2.0/2.0T.

Apparently there's a Saturn S-Series alternator upgrade mod that works on 2.0L blocks, I'm trying to figure out if it'll work on the 1.8's or not because wouldn't that be nice being that I know Saturn s-cars well.

That's what I ran on my old Talon with the Jay Racing alternator relocation kit. The Saturn alternator is way better then the org. DSM unit.

But I'm not to sure if will fit the 1.8L engine?

[Project84]

Just looked them up on Napa ProLink and they're not the same. Fuuuuuuuudge.

Voltage regulator is $42. 75 Amp alternator is $135. bleh.

[Project84]

Alright. Plaguing issues have kept me from even finishing the first tank of fuel in the car.

I was driving the car on this alternator still until I tested it one day while running and it showed 20.94 VDC... my Radio wouldn't power up and the light bulb sockets blew in the headlights. OOPS!!

The regulator is internal to the alternator and not only does it need fully disassembled but it has to be soldered out as well. The Hayne's Manual shows all this but nah, I'm not getting into that mess.

Still trying to find a better solution for replacement. Local junkyard only had 1 alternator in car and it looked terrible so I decided to skip that idea.

Even after all this I'm still left with another major issue. The car falls dead on its face after 3,000 RPM. I really hope this is due to the overcharging electrical system. Someone on a DSM forum promised me it would be the fuel filter but the one in my car looks to have just been replaced before I bought it. It looks brand new. I might try this anyway since it was only $10 or something.

If I can't quickly and cheaply get to the bottom of this problem, it's getting a Maaco paint job and a for sale ad on craigslist.

[theholycow]

The fuel filter in my Buick looked brand new when I replaced it, but replacing it made things much better.

[DRW]

Alternators from local auto parts stores are cheapest at around$100, but they don't seem to last. A dying battery can kill the alt because the alt has to work harder at pumping greater amps through the batt. Also, check for a corroded wire from the alt to the batt.

[markweatherill]

Originally Posted by DRW

Also, check for a corroded wire from the alt to the batt.

I second that. It may be worth finding which wire on the alternator plug is the 'sense' wire and run a new length of wire to the battery, as a cheap test of whether that is the cause of the overcharging.

[Project84]

Bit the bullet and paid the $95 for an alternator and the charging system is back under control.

Drove it and it still had no power above 3,000 RPM with sputtering to be had... swapped fuel filters and the one that came off was dumping rusty fuel out. New filter on, test drive, car is back to normal! It's a joy to drive now. Peppy, like I remember my previous 1.8L DSM being!

IAC valve was found to be bad, so with it unplugged I'm idling at 1,300 rpm now.

Tempted to sell the thing. I'm buying a pickup truck and that'll make 6 cars and 1 bike, something's gotta give and I'm least attached to the Laser. We'll see what someone's willing to give first of all. Not going to give it away after all this work and new parts.

I had to add fuel from my lawn mower supply to keep the car on the road recently after all the work/test drives. Never got to calculate the tank. No numbers to report.

If it doesn't sell for $1,000 or more, I'm keeping it. Heck why not. I can fit 10 in the driveway, 6 isn't too bad for a single guy. lol

[Jay2TheRescue]

LOL, I'm coming up on ya. I got the Buick, 2 trucks, the bike. Thinking about a new DD, and eventually I'll end up with my late grandfather's Grand Marquis. However, if I do go forward with the new DD, I'll probably sell Rusty.

[Project84]

Lol yeah it's easy to get carried away. I find great deals it seems, and I just can't pass em up.

The way I see it, I can sell anything I own for more than I paid for it, so it's not that big of a deal that I have a surplus. I have no car payments, and my insurance is bundled with home owner's so I'm getting a great rate. I shop for car insurance at least once a year to make sure I'm still getting the best deal I can. I could also liquidate if I ever needed to and find $3-4k profit from selling a few.

I just realized I've only ever owned V8's or 4 cylinders. (besides the 2 cyl bike) I guess that says something about me.