L98 Alternator Eater
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Paradise Valley AZ
My '88 dark red metallic coupe is a daily driver that I purchased in August of 1998. Paperwork files that came with the car showed the alternator had just been replaced on July 16th of that year. On July 18th of 1999, that alternator died and I replaced it with a rebuilt one. On July 21st,2000, this alternator died and I decided to replace it with a brand new one. Yesterday, July 19th,2001, I replaced that alternator with another new one. (Anyone seeing a trend here?!). I average 10-12,000 miles a year. Is that the life expectancy in mileage of an alternator? Is this something I have to look forward to the third week of every future July? On the plus side, I can use my Vette like an Aztec calander to tell time on an annual basis (give or take a day). And I've become very proficient at changing L98 alternators. Did this last one in 15 - 20 minutes. Think I'll leave the car parked the entire month of July 2002 just for a change of pace!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 110
From: Austin Texas
Mark,
Welcome to the world of L98 alternators.
The only way around this issue is to do one of three things:
1) Find a good rebuild shop in town and have them make you a killer alternator, with larger bearings. This is usually the first thing to go on them. The circuitry is also a little flakey, and a good rebuild shop can give you something that will hold up.
2) Put underdrive pullies on the car. At 5000 RPM I believe the alternator is turning something like 24,000 rpm. It might not be that bad, but is is something crazy like that.
3) Install a fuel cell in the thing and never worry about it again.
I think with this option, you might be able to get some federal funding for the experiment.
Good luck to you. I've been through 5 of them myself, before I went and had one built for me. It has been 2 years now, so I'm almost at the point where the rest failed. I know a few people, (you know...the kind that turn their cars into rolling boom boxes) that had 300 amp units built.
Welcome to the world of L98 alternators.
The only way around this issue is to do one of three things:
1) Find a good rebuild shop in town and have them make you a killer alternator, with larger bearings. This is usually the first thing to go on them. The circuitry is also a little flakey, and a good rebuild shop can give you something that will hold up.
2) Put underdrive pullies on the car. At 5000 RPM I believe the alternator is turning something like 24,000 rpm. It might not be that bad, but is is something crazy like that.
3) Install a fuel cell in the thing and never worry about it again.
I think with this option, you might be able to get some federal funding for the experiment.Good luck to you. I've been through 5 of them myself, before I went and had one built for me. It has been 2 years now, so I'm almost at the point where the rest failed. I know a few people, (you know...the kind that turn their cars into rolling boom boxes) that had 300 amp units built.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
My factory alternator when out about 4 years ago. I replaced with a rebuilt from Auto Zone for a about $60 (I think). Lasted about a year, replaced again, lasted about 6 months ... Until they started making the GOLD series for the Corvette, which is totalled rebuilt, not just partially. I've heard they only replace what appears worn out in the cheaper rebuilds, versus repair everything for the more expensive ones. Anyway, this one has lasted me about 2 years so far with no signs of giving out, and it came with a lifetime warranty. Cost twice as much, $120 or so if I remember correctly. Auto Zone gave me full credit for the cheaper one against the cost of the GOLD since it was still within the 1-year warranty.
In each case, it was the bearing that crapped out. The new one is supposed to have a higher quality bearing, and other parts.
In each case, it was the bearing that crapped out. The new one is supposed to have a higher quality bearing, and other parts.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
The GM CS-130 style alternators are weak and the diodes fail easily, especailly from voltage spikes, this is why I do not recommend jump starting a buddy's car etc.
The fact you have the problem in July may be due to heat and/or a problem with or compounded by more use of the A/C.
My stock alternator was replaced under warranty with a GM reman and then failed a couple years and not a lot of miles later.
I have PepBoys "Lifetime" alternators on my '89 and on my truck, both a 4 years now no problems. I hear the AutoZone "lifetime" warranty ones are good too.
The fact you have the problem in July may be due to heat and/or a problem with or compounded by more use of the A/C.
My stock alternator was replaced under warranty with a GM reman and then failed a couple years and not a lot of miles later.
I have PepBoys "Lifetime" alternators on my '89 and on my truck, both a 4 years now no problems. I hear the AutoZone "lifetime" warranty ones are good too.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake, IL USA
Well, I installed a beefier alternator, but only two weeks ago, so not much to report yet.
http://www.corvetteforum.cc/ubb/Foru...ML/009586.html
http://www.corvetteforum.cc/ubb/Foru...ML/009586.html
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
you might need to replace the battery also... if it is not at a certain voltage, then it will kill the alternator, so get a trickle charger and charge it up 100% then let the new alternator take over...
ive had thsi happen on both my firebirds...
the alternator died.. the battery was drained... i got a new alternator and it died a few days later.. then i got a new battery adn a new alternator at the same time and it was all good. This is what 2 different auto parts places told me when they sold me the alternators... just to get a new battery OR make sure the old one is fully charged before starting with the new alternator..
hope that helps
ive had thsi happen on both my firebirds...
the alternator died.. the battery was drained... i got a new alternator and it died a few days later.. then i got a new battery adn a new alternator at the same time and it was all good. This is what 2 different auto parts places told me when they sold me the alternators... just to get a new battery OR make sure the old one is fully charged before starting with the new alternator..
hope that helps
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Al
I may be the exception but my 91 alternator has been replaced once in 162k miles. Although I replaced it with a new AC Delco. Stay away from autozone and advance rebuilds, they are a crapshoot.
