High Amp Alternator Question

[garedclay]

Hey folks,

I upgraded to a Delco-Remy CS144 140 amp internally regulated alternator as the first step towards a dual battery setup. Next I've got a drivers side tray off a 72 gmc c20 camper ready to POR-15 so I can wire in a deep cell, some lights, stereo, and the story goes on and on. Before I do all that, I want to ride over to the Year One Braselton Bash this afternoon!

Before driving 40 miles over to there, I took the blazer out for a spin, drove a few miles, got her up to 65 mph. Once back at home, I found that the (flat not tube) 30 amp fuse between the alternator and the positive terminal post/junction on the inner fender is getting really hot to the touch (but not fried). It still slides in and out of the fuse housing with ease. I never noticed the heat before when I was running a 70 amp unit with external voltage regulator. I'm still using a 12 gauge wire from the alternator.

My questions for anyone that might assist me:

Do I have reason to be concerned? Is it okay for a fuse to be hot to the touch?

Do I need a larger gauge wire from the alternator?

I assume I keep the 30 amp fuse?

Thanks for any feedback you all can provide.

clay

[Jimmy72custom]

Heat is usually a sign of resistance. If the wire it self is not getting hot check fuse holder connections and fuse connection. Number ten wire wouldn’t hurt, it’s cheap. If you put in a multiple battery isolator make sure you get one that can handle the amps of the new alt. My 2 cents

[teamradrz1]

MHO if you plan to put in a nice stereo and other electrical devices that you need a 140 amp alt you might as well wire it up with 4 gauge to get the most out of your system.

[Burt4x4]

Ya I would run at least a 8g wire from the alt to the batt.

[red71cheyenne]

I put the same alternator in mine, but used 8ga wire to and from the battery and have not noticed a heat issue. Charges like mad though! Good luck, Jeff.

[Musclerodz]

You definitely need to up your wire size. I would go to 4 ga. myself.

Mike

[garedclay]

Thanks so much for the feedback, everyone. The car show was fun... made it there and back with no problem. I'm still going to use a large gauge wire as has been suggested. Hopefully I'll knock that out this weekend.

Over at Year One, there were quite a few 67-72 trucks... short and long fleetside and a stepper... but only GaRed representing the Blazer/Jimmy crowd.

Cheers, clay

(And yes... I know... this post is worthless without pics... but I didn't take my camera... doh!!!!)

[JesEsterly]

Found this thread via search.. Maybe someone can help me out with a very similar..or at least on these same lines..

Ive got a 350 (86 burb) with the delco 7372-3 alt I believe a 74 volt? Alt.. I was hoping to be able to find a high"er" output alt to go along with the isolator Im adding, but Advance Auto told me that the only upgrade I can do is to the 94 volt alt..

I want sep. batteries for #1 to run the burb, #2 to run aux lights/ amp, cb/ winch.. just dont think my 70's volt alt is enough.. but nothing available for a 350 with A/C over 94 volts? Only reacon I could think was a clearence issue.. the alt being to big to fit with e compressor.. Any thoughts?