Alternator for L98
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: OH
Alternator for L98
1991, L98, 60K
Hello all, I have been having some problems with my alternator and could use some help. I just took it to the auto parts store to get it tested . . . it registered about 60 amps.
I am only a novice mechanic so first of all I am wondering if this is a simple job? If so, anyone know of some good directions out there?
Second, from what I have been able to find the OEM looks like a 105. Could I move up to a 140 without any problems? I am looking at the Powermaster PWM-37803 for $299.95 from Summitt. Would I have to change anything else to move up to the higher output?
My problems vary, I have the dashlight flicker and the dancing voltmeter. I do have the Hypertech chip with the 160 degree thermo -- at first, I wrote off the heavy load as a result of the overactive fan . . . but, I think I am wrong . . .
Advice, ideas? Thanks very much.
Hello all, I have been having some problems with my alternator and could use some help. I just took it to the auto parts store to get it tested . . . it registered about 60 amps.
I am only a novice mechanic so first of all I am wondering if this is a simple job? If so, anyone know of some good directions out there?
Second, from what I have been able to find the OEM looks like a 105. Could I move up to a 140 without any problems? I am looking at the Powermaster PWM-37803 for $299.95 from Summitt. Would I have to change anything else to move up to the higher output?
My problems vary, I have the dashlight flicker and the dancing voltmeter. I do have the Hypertech chip with the 160 degree thermo -- at first, I wrote off the heavy load as a result of the overactive fan . . . but, I think I am wrong . . .
Advice, ideas? Thanks very much.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas / Scotland
I bought one from Checker for $59 - works perfectly ok and has a 3 year warrenty - do you really want to spend $300 on an alternator???
What age and condition is the battery in?
Have you also checked and cleaned all the grounds?
What age and condition is the battery in?
Have you also checked and cleaned all the grounds?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: OH
I just replaced the Delco battery with the Optima Red. While I that is new and I am still experiencing the problems I want to go ahead and swap the alternator . . .
I'll check the grounds . . .
You sound like my wife
but the chrome one is cool.
Is the $60 what I should expect for a remanufactured one?
I'll check the grounds . . .
You sound like my wife
but the chrome one is cool. Is the $60 what I should expect for a remanufactured one?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Replacing it is a simple job. C4s tend to eat up remanufactured ones like candy, so the lifetime warranty is nice. I've had much better luck with the Autozone one I have now than the many Pepboys ones I ate up or cracked in half.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
I went thru 3 Pep Boy's aternators, then I got smart and went to the Chevy dealership and got a Delco one. I've had no problems since. I remember reading a thread a few days ago about swapping a ZR-1 alternator in. It's has more amps and I believe it was a direct swap. 
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: GA
Originally Posted by scorp508
I've had much better luck with the Autozone one I have now than the many Pepboys ones I ate up or cracked in half.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
If your lights are flickering and your voltmeter dancing, you most likely have a voltage regulator in the alternator that is oscillating. You might consider taking your alternator to an auto electrical repair shop and having them either replace the voltage regulator or rebuild the alternator. I drive my 87 every day and for 16 years and I have installed two Delco alternators and recommend them.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 0
From: CALGARY ab
Originally Posted by Borntostun
1991, L98, 60K
Hello all, I have been having some problems with my alternator and could use some help. I just took it to the auto parts store to get it tested . . . it registered about 60 amps.
I am only a novice mechanic so first of all I am wondering if this is a simple job? If so, anyone know of some good directions out there?
Second, from what I have been able to find the OEM looks like a 105. Could I move up to a 140 without any problems? I am looking at the Powermaster PWM-37803 for $299.95 from Summitt. Would I have to change anything else to move up to the higher output?
My problems vary, I have the dashlight flicker and the dancing voltmeter. I do have the Hypertech chip with the 160 degree thermo -- at first, I wrote off the heavy load as a result of the overactive fan . . . but, I think I am wrong . . .
Advice, ideas? Thanks very much.
Hello all, I have been having some problems with my alternator and could use some help. I just took it to the auto parts store to get it tested . . . it registered about 60 amps.
I am only a novice mechanic so first of all I am wondering if this is a simple job? If so, anyone know of some good directions out there?
Second, from what I have been able to find the OEM looks like a 105. Could I move up to a 140 without any problems? I am looking at the Powermaster PWM-37803 for $299.95 from Summitt. Would I have to change anything else to move up to the higher output?
My problems vary, I have the dashlight flicker and the dancing voltmeter. I do have the Hypertech chip with the 160 degree thermo -- at first, I wrote off the heavy load as a result of the overactive fan . . . but, I think I am wrong . . .
Advice, ideas? Thanks very much.
Last edited by korvette4u; May 22, 2005 at 11:51 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Irwindale Ca
Ive replaced my alternator aprox 5 times. but i do have 305000 miles on the vehicle, most last up to 3 years, my last one lasted a bit over 4 years. that last one , i think the brushes were just eaten to the metal. Remans do last and alternators are meant to go out after a while. Good thing is i can replace the alt in about 10 minutes, ive done it so much. Parts guy cant stand when i return the lifetiime warranty cores for a free alt. It feels soo good though.... good luck
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: OH
If I went with the 140 amp Powermaster would I have to change anything else or would it swap in and out just like the OEM 105 amp?
Sorry for the inexperience, this would be my first alternator replacement.
Sorry for the inexperience, this would be my first alternator replacement.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
[QUOTE=Borntostun]
I am only a novice mechanic so first of all I am wondering if this is a simple job? If so, anyone know of some good directions out there?
QUOTE]
This is a very simple job. The hardest thing about this job on an L98 would be loosening the serpentine belt. The rest is just unpluging the elecrical wires from the back of the alternator, loosening the few bolts holding it in place, and pulling it off.
I am only a novice mechanic so first of all I am wondering if this is a simple job? If so, anyone know of some good directions out there?
QUOTE]
This is a very simple job. The hardest thing about this job on an L98 would be loosening the serpentine belt. The rest is just unpluging the elecrical wires from the back of the alternator, loosening the few bolts holding it in place, and pulling it off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
Originally Posted by Borntostun
If I went with the 140 amp Powermaster would I have to change anything else or would it swap in and out just like the OEM 105 amp?
Sorry for the inexperience, this would be my first alternator replacement.
Sorry for the inexperience, this would be my first alternator replacement.
infact too many i went with cs144 for $175 140 amp's and $12 adapter
that was a snap direct fit and works damn good $200 well invested.
Little pricey but u get what u paid for.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
The chrome alt looks cool but they install the wrong diadodes..
The alt will over heat and youi will be buying another.
Go to GM.
I went to NAPA and got one their and paid about 100.00.
After I fired it up the alt got real hot.
I went back to NAPA and told the owner I got a diadod special.
He said we are changing rebuilders and they will warranty if if it fails.
6 mths later poof and he did replace it 6 mths down on the new one and still wroking.
The alt will over heat and youi will be buying another.
Go to GM.
I went to NAPA and got one their and paid about 100.00.
After I fired it up the alt got real hot.
I went back to NAPA and told the owner I got a diadod special.
He said we are changing rebuilders and they will warranty if if it fails.
6 mths later poof and he did replace it 6 mths down on the new one and still wroking.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
Why don't you rebuild it yourself? It's a fun project, parts are available at local parts store, and the how to is available in the tech tips. I replaced my rectifier in my 86 and it has performed very well ever since . Then you know what kind of shape it's in. Remans only fix what's wrong.
