I'm thinking of running an alternator pulse tachometer (Faria TD9324) in my rig. Does anyone know the number of poles in a stock 1992 alternator? Does anyone have experience with Faria gauges? Thanks!

 

Automobile alternators are usually 3 phase. I have never seen one other than three phase. There are six diodes connected to give a relatively smooth DC output.

Edwin

 

What does that equate to in poles though? Seems like they are usually even numbers (4,8,12, etc.) I think the poles regulate the number of pulses/revolution put out by the alternator. Seems like most of the alternator pulse tachs have a switch on the back for the number of poles.

 

See picture for more info.

 

Thanks! Any way to count them without disassembling the alternator?

 

You might be able to view them through a cooling fin port or something, not sure though. I dont have a 1st gen anymore or i would look for you.

 

From the photos online it looks like 10 poles.

 

Why don't you just use the factory tach feed?

 

If i understand it correctly the factory tach feed runs through the computer. One of my goals is to make the computer as non essential as possible. The other factor is price. I can buy an alternator signal tach for around $50. The Isspro tach that runs of the stock wiring harness is around $200 and the Autometer 2888 tach with the sensor that is hose clamped to the alternator is around $140 with pretty mixed reviews. Unless I'm missing something. Which is entirely possible.