Need new alternator help.....which one?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
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From: Rocklin California
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 755
Likes: 32
From: Roswell Georgia
Test Alternator Output First
1. Take your "bad" alternator to a local parts store or shop that tests alternators to make sure that your output is well below the rated 60 amps. (I've found that more times than not that the mechanical voltage relay is the problem.)
2. If the bearings are bad (noisy during the test, but voltage okay), go ahead and replace the bearings yourself. (I haven't had any problems with NAPA rebuilds in the past other than the premium price they charge. They seem to have quality components that rarely go bad.)
3. If you do replace the alternator and don't upgrade to a 10SI version, replace the mechanical voltage relay at the same time to preclude future problems. (It wouldn't hurt to check the continuity in all the wiring at the same time. Been burned once by a broken wire in the connector.)
4. Personally, I like the 10SI alternators better (higher amperage and self-contained regulator), but YMMV.
Good Luck!
