alternator
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
alternator
my alternator is starting to go, it isnt keeping up with the power consumption when I have the headlights on and rear defrost on. My question is should I rebuild the alternator or replace it alltogether???
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
That's up to you. The alternator is one of the simplest engine accessories to rebuild. It helps to have a small press for install/removal of bearings and diodes...but it's not absolutely necessary.
The other choice is to have a starter/alternator/motor repair shop rebuild yours, if you want to keep the same housing (date codes). They are usually less expensive than buying a rebuilt unit; and they are usually more reliable with their builds.
The other choice is to have a starter/alternator/motor repair shop rebuild yours, if you want to keep the same housing (date codes). They are usually less expensive than buying a rebuilt unit; and they are usually more reliable with their builds.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
I think I would like to have it rebuilt, especially if it might be a little cheaper and you say both options are legitimate. Anyone know of a good place in the Pensacola, Fl area?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
normally we can or you can have the alternator rebuilt using the same case with a higher output so the car physically by appearance remains stock looking...we have done that many times
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
Can you change your oil or remove a tire?
If so you can rebuild a older GM Alt. First thing I ever did was rebuild the Alt in my 1985 Firebird. I could not change the oil but I could rebuild the alt.
Basic tools and a paperclip.
Not including the bearings, but a basic press will take care of that. Even a c-clamp could work if you set it up right.
If so you can rebuild a older GM Alt. First thing I ever did was rebuild the Alt in my 1985 Firebird. I could not change the oil but I could rebuild the alt.
Basic tools and a paperclip.
Not including the bearings, but a basic press will take care of that. Even a c-clamp could work if you set it up right.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
Well I don't think I took the cheapest route but I am still happy with my decision. The local alternator shop actually picked up the alternator from my place after I took it out of the car and rebuilt it the next day for me to pick up. Unfortunately someone before me had already replaced the alternator and with the wrong one at that. So the guy replaced all the electrical components in my burnt out one, apparently the back casing was 90 degrees off so he fixed that, polished up the casing, painted the cooling fan and replaced the pulley. $129.00 later here it is.
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