Which alternator brands do you have good luck with?
12-23-09, 08:29 PM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Which alternator brands do you have good luck with?
It's time yet again to replace the alternator on my 400. Just replaced this and the p/s pump about 4 days ago with used units. The alternator tested good at Auto Zone because I checked before I went through the trouble of installing it. Well it went on and worked great for about 2 days. Last night I was coming home from class and the battery light on the dash came on for about 2 seconds then went away. Did it again tonight before getting to class, and did it just a few seconds after driving when I left class.
So I guess I'll be changing it again. I won't be getting another used one even if it tests out fine and want to get you guys' opinion on what brands seem to actually be good. I don't want to get one from Auto Zone or whoever as I hear even when testing good, most of those parts house's alternators die within a few months of use.
I don't need the hot 145 amp ones that Lextreme and Luxury Mods sell, just a stock one. I've seen some Bosch ones on Ebay, some Nippondenso units under various name brands, and that's about all I've seen. Any suggestions you guys have as a place to get one from, I'd appreciate it. Hopefully looking to keep it around $150ish, which is why I'm not picking up one from Lextreme for $225 if I can help it.
So I guess I'll be changing it again. I won't be getting another used one even if it tests out fine and want to get you guys' opinion on what brands seem to actually be good. I don't want to get one from Auto Zone or whoever as I hear even when testing good, most of those parts house's alternators die within a few months of use.
I don't need the hot 145 amp ones that Lextreme and Luxury Mods sell, just a stock one. I've seen some Bosch ones on Ebay, some Nippondenso units under various name brands, and that's about all I've seen. Any suggestions you guys have as a place to get one from, I'd appreciate it. Hopefully looking to keep it around $150ish, which is why I'm not picking up one from Lextreme for $225 if I can help it.
12-23-09, 08:44 PM
#2
Keeper of the light
iTrader: (17)
If there is any leaks anywhere from the PS pump it'll kill it again and again so LOOK CLOSELY for leaks going into the alt that you can't see so obviously as if they were dripping on the shell.
Next reach around and make sure the alt bolts and clips are on well. There is a plug on that alt as you know and it has to be plugged in firmly. Finally check the fuse under the hood.
Lastly, a simple rebuilt Advanced Auto parts alternator lasted me 6 years. It was $150-ish.
Next reach around and make sure the alt bolts and clips are on well. There is a plug on that alt as you know and it has to be plugged in firmly. Finally check the fuse under the hood.
Lastly, a simple rebuilt Advanced Auto parts alternator lasted me 6 years. It was $150-ish.
12-23-09, 08:51 PM
#5
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Uh huh huh, reach around
Anyways, I replaced the ps pump at the same time, that's what killed my old one. Both parts were beyond nasty when I removed them. The replacement had 5k on it and was so fresh and so clean clean. And I made sure the plugs were in good and tight but I guess it couldn't hurt to check again, if I can just find a way to snake my hand down there with all the stuff reinstalled.
To which fuse are you referring?
I'm kinda thinking of this one:
http://www.******************.com/de...3-1601143.html
It's Bosch, $150 with free shipping. Last time I checked, Bosch made good stuff. Or this one from Denso, who I've also found to make good products. It lists no core charge so I assume it's actually a new unit, but even if it is reman, there's no core.
http://www.******************.com/de...NP2100171.html
Anyways, I replaced the ps pump at the same time, that's what killed my old one. Both parts were beyond nasty when I removed them. The replacement had 5k on it and was so fresh and so clean clean. And I made sure the plugs were in good and tight but I guess it couldn't hurt to check again, if I can just find a way to snake my hand down there with all the stuff reinstalled.
To which fuse are you referring?
I'm kinda thinking of this one:
http://www.******************.com/de...3-1601143.html
It's Bosch, $150 with free shipping. Last time I checked, Bosch made good stuff. Or this one from Denso, who I've also found to make good products. It lists no core charge so I assume it's actually a new unit, but even if it is reman, there's no core.
http://www.******************.com/de...NP2100171.html
Last edited by Matt300ZXT; 12-23-09 at 08:56 PM.
Trending Topics
12-24-09, 01:33 AM
#10
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know that idea behind that is a good one Garage, but have you ever had to change an SC alternator? It's not something I want to do every 4 months if I can help it lol
12-24-09, 10:35 AM
#13
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Figured they were who made them...guess I'll opt for the Denso.
There are 2 on the Auto Parts Warehouse site for my year. One is $180.95 with a $40 core and one that is $201.95 with no mention of a core charge. The cheaper one just says Reman with 12 month warranty and no other info where as the pricier one says it's a Denso Super Class Alternator, Reman, then a whole bunch of stuff about it being re-trapped to OEM spec, damage checked for heat warping, corrosion, etc. Then how it's tested to 600 volts, bearing repacked with OEM lube, etc etc etc. Under condition it says NEW even though the info box on it says reman, but at least there's no core charge so I don't have to deal with the hassle of shipping my old one back. I may just dish out $200 and call it a day.
However for only $25 more I can get the Lextreme high amperage one. What do you guys think would be the better buy?
There are 2 on the Auto Parts Warehouse site for my year. One is $180.95 with a $40 core and one that is $201.95 with no mention of a core charge. The cheaper one just says Reman with 12 month warranty and no other info where as the pricier one says it's a Denso Super Class Alternator, Reman, then a whole bunch of stuff about it being re-trapped to OEM spec, damage checked for heat warping, corrosion, etc. Then how it's tested to 600 volts, bearing repacked with OEM lube, etc etc etc. Under condition it says NEW even though the info box on it says reman, but at least there's no core charge so I don't have to deal with the hassle of shipping my old one back. I may just dish out $200 and call it a day.
However for only $25 more I can get the Lextreme high amperage one. What do you guys think would be the better buy?
12-24-09, 01:15 PM
#15
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was checking out this alternator fuse OLT mentioned and read up on it, seems some other guys with intermittent battery light problems were traced to this also.
Without it actually blowing, how does it cause problems? Does it just get dirt on the contacts over time or wiggle free or something? I would figure something like that would work fine until it blew up, rendering the car inoperable essentially until it was replaced.
Without it actually blowing, how does it cause problems? Does it just get dirt on the contacts over time or wiggle free or something? I would figure something like that would work fine until it blew up, rendering the car inoperable essentially until it was replaced.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Rock-a-Lex
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
13
03-10-11 11:57 AM
