i recently rain across an 86 IROC that has been converted from TPI to a carburated engine (350) and i have a CHARGING problem. we have replaced the battery and alternator 2 x's each.....we have 12v running to the alternator BUT, 0 volts coming out of it!! needless to say, it won't hold a charge. could the car's computer be causing this? i read something similar on this site (but there was no TPI/carb conversion) and it mentioned the cable running to the started being bad......will/can someone please help me?
p.s. i do not know WHY it was converted to carb, i would have left it alone.
p.s. i do not know WHY it was converted to carb, i would have left it alone.

Member
Try asking this on the "Electronics" board. I don't think the ECM has anything to do with the Alt. If your 86 is like my 83(factory carb), The big red wire on back of Alt has 12 volts all the time, its hooked straght to the battery. The 2 wire connector has a small red wire that is hooked to the same post as the big red wire, the other wire (black) is hot (12 volts) when the ignition key is "On".
Without this 12 volts, the Alt won't put out any power.
Without this 12 volts, the Alt won't put out any power.
Supreme Member
It has nothing to do with the computer.
Either the (2)wire plug isn't connected properly, or
the voltage reference wire was disconnected or lost.
If you can't repair the wiring then swap to an externally regulated alternator & you'll have no more problems.
Either the (2)wire plug isn't connected properly, or
the voltage reference wire was disconnected or lost.
If you can't repair the wiring then swap to an externally regulated alternator & you'll have no more problems.
Member
Unplug the Alt connector and turn the ign key to "run". You should have 12 volts on both wires that plug into the Alt.