C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

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Old Mar 3, 2005 | 12:20 AM
  #1  
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Default Alternator question

What is the first sign that your alternator is starting to crap out?
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Old Mar 3, 2005 | 01:08 AM
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Battery light on, dash lights flicker at low RPM. Make sure and replace the red lead. For some reason, those seem to be a problem in these cars...Maybe someone who knows more will pipe in.
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Old Mar 3, 2005 | 01:13 AM
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
Battery light on, dash lights flicker at low RPM. Make sure and replace the red lead. For some reason, those seem to be a problem in these cars...Maybe someone who knows more will pipe in.

Bearing noise, alternator extremely hot, high voltage spikes over 15 volts...Batteries failure also can look like an alternator taking a crap too, so its really a combination of these things that suggest a sick Alternator. Ive cooked a couple of them myself, so im pretty versed on this

snoopdan
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Old Mar 3, 2005 | 06:19 AM
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
Battery light on, dash lights flicker at low RPM. Make sure and replace the red lead. For some reason, those seem to be a problem in these cars...Maybe someone who knows more will pipe in.
Glad you mentioned the red lead...mine's just about fried. What do I ask for at the dealer and can you give any details about the replacement?
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Old Mar 3, 2005 | 07:39 AM
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Default Don't go to dealers....

Originally Posted by V's Vette
Glad you mentioned the red lead...mine's just about fried. What do I ask for at the dealer and can you give any details about the replacement?
Don't ever go to a dealership. Go to either your favorite web site or go to an auto parts store.
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Old Mar 3, 2005 | 09:14 AM
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Originally Posted by elefkow
Don't ever go to a dealership. Go to either your favorite web site or go to an auto parts store.
Well, for something like this I would much rather get the exact item locally in case there is a problem. Also, I've worked out a deal w/my local dealer's parts dept. that I get 20% off...this makes it much easier to take when buying from them.
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Old Mar 3, 2005 | 10:18 AM
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My last alternator didn't give any warning at all, it just died. By the time I got the special "Travelers discount" it cost me $430. to get it replaced.
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Old Mar 3, 2005 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by V's Vette
Glad you mentioned the red lead...mine's just about fried. What do I ask for at the dealer and can you give any details about the replacement?
Easier just to get the right gauge wire and make one. Seems the problem are the connectors. I replaced the battery and took the alternator off, had it checked. After being told it was good, the light still stayed on. Because I'm an electrical idiot, I took it to a shop that does a lot of vettes. Replaced the lead, built a Caddy spec alternator, and 0 problems.
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Old Mar 3, 2005 | 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by jabez
What is the first sign......
If you are lucky, it will get a bit noisy when you are idling. Comes on gradual, and it is easy to miss it. Just listen closely once in a while with the hood open.
Stetoscope (careful) will confirm. I've changed the bearings on some alternators and saved big bucks.
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