Alternator question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
my 88 doesn't seem to charge the battery lately. At idle with head lights on, the battery voltage shows 11.5V. On city driving ~30-45 mph the battery shows 12.5V.
Is there a way to test the alternator on the car?
Can I disconnect the negative cable while the car is running to see if the alternator is working without hurting the car's computer or electronic equipments?
How often do you guys have to replace the C4 alternator? How many miles or how many year does the C4 alternator last for you?
Thanks
Is there a way to test the alternator on the car?
Can I disconnect the negative cable while the car is running to see if the alternator is working without hurting the car's computer or electronic equipments?
How often do you guys have to replace the C4 alternator? How many miles or how many year does the C4 alternator last for you?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,511
Likes: 1,297
From: Windermere FL
88,
I can tell you were not to buy your alternator. Pep Boys! Otherwise their lifetime warranty will require you to spend your lifetime replacing it
I hear the ones from Autozone are not much better.
I finally found one that seems to be holding up. http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/
Flame Red
I can tell you were not to buy your alternator. Pep Boys! Otherwise their lifetime warranty will require you to spend your lifetime replacing it
I hear the ones from Autozone are not much better.
I finally found one that seems to be holding up. http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/
Flame Red
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,381
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Originally Posted by 88L98
you should be running 13.2-13.7v at all engine speeds[/color]
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
I've had a "gold" AutoZone lifetime warranty alternator for a couple of years now. No problem. The factory alternator lasted until sometime in 1997, I think. The alternators in between those two lasted 6 mos. to 1 year, just about the length of the warranty. Convenient huh?
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
Originally Posted by ralexand
I got the stock AC Delco 105 amp with a lifetime replacement from O'Riley. I replace it about every 3 years...[/color]
Thanks
VQT88
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,419
Likes: 0
From: Are you the bug or are you the windshield.....
O Riley's is an auto parts store similar to Pep Boys.....
If you go with a remanufactured/rebuilt alternator go with the AC Delco model.... They use more durable parts than the other companies...... That is what a friend of mine who owns a car shop told me......
I changed mine out last Friday night - took about 25 minutes 15 minutes of which was spent on the serpentine belt (Didn't have the cheater bar for the tensioner) and the negative lead on the battery.....
If you go with a remanufactured/rebuilt alternator go with the AC Delco model.... They use more durable parts than the other companies...... That is what a friend of mine who owns a car shop told me......
I changed mine out last Friday night - took about 25 minutes 15 minutes of which was spent on the serpentine belt (Didn't have the cheater bar for the tensioner) and the negative lead on the battery.....
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake, IL USA
I went with an Iceberg modified Delco 105A alternator last month. Supposedly bulletproof. So far 13.4-14.2 volts, but time will tell. $85 from many/most rebuilders, not sure if the chains can get them.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
I went against everyone advise. Went to Napa and Pepboy yesterday to check on the price. Napa wants $98.xx and core charge $55 for a rebuild (not AC Delco rebuild). Pepboy has three on their screen, first one 100% new from Prostart for $114.99 + tax and $30 core charge, lifetime warranty. the other two were rebuild and less than $99, so I bought the new one.
Now the voltage is back to normal
13.5V-14.2V at all engine speed.
I assume that everyone has problem with Pepboy/AutoZone about their Rebuild alternator!! Hope that this NEW one last more than two year before I have to replace it under lifetime warranty
Last detail Corvette has rebuild for $98.xx + shipping, 18carfan has AC Delco rebuild for $94.xx + shipping, and Powermaster did not return my e-mail yet.
Now the voltage is back to normal
13.5V-14.2V at all engine speed.I assume that everyone has problem with Pepboy/AutoZone about their Rebuild alternator!! Hope that this NEW one last more than two year before I have to replace it under lifetime warranty
Last detail Corvette has rebuild for $98.xx + shipping, 18carfan has AC Delco rebuild for $94.xx + shipping, and Powermaster did not return my e-mail yet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,511
Likes: 1,297
From: Windermere FL
88,
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you will now spend your lifetime replacing your new Pep Boys alternator. Yes, I was referring to their new units, not the rebuilt ones.
Look at it this way, you will get real good at swapping them out. Let us know when you can do it blind-folded!
Flame Red
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you will now spend your lifetime replacing your new Pep Boys alternator. Yes, I was referring to their new units, not the rebuilt ones.
Look at it this way, you will get real good at swapping them out. Let us know when you can do it blind-folded!
Flame Red
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,381
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Originally Posted by Flame Red
.....you will now spend your lifetime replacing your new Pep Boys alternator. Yes, I was referring to their new units, not the rebuilt ones. [/color]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
Originally Posted by scorp508:
[B
[B
I bought a new one from them last August, and have put many many many many many miles on my car compared to a "typical" Corvette since that time. So far so good.[/B][/color]
Flame Red got me so nervous, by the way I got it out and back in 15 min.. Blind-folded? No way
Hell, the car has been on the drive-way to be worked on more time than driving it this year. I have gotten to know every nuts, bolts from the interior to the engine bay [img]http]//www.corvetteforum.cc/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
[This message has been edited by VQT88Vette (edited 08-01-2001).]
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,381
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Originally Posted by VQT88Vette:
[B
[B
I hope mine is the same type the scorp508 got [/B][/color]
[/B][/color]
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: AURORA ON CANADA
I have found the new style, small alternators to be a major weak link in the system, especially if you have installed a killer sound system that draws alot of power.
My teory is that even though they put out high amps. the small size dictates that they generate a ton of heat which destoys them in short order.
I have converted several over to the pre 86 style with good luck.These units last forever.
Pete.
My teory is that even though they put out high amps. the small size dictates that they generate a ton of heat which destoys them in short order.
I have converted several over to the pre 86 style with good luck.These units last forever.
Pete.
