Alternator question

[thndrwhls]

I noticed this last night, I got back in my trucj after pickin up a movie and she turned over slow as if the battery was low on juice. Not likely since I bought an Optima merely a couple of months ago, however the voltage gauge was reading way low, lights were dim, etc...

 

I decided to head back to the house instead of to my buddies since it was much closer. Didnt make it quite home before she died, now my common since tells me that its the alternator so new alternator problem solved. My cousin however, who is a mechanic, tells me that it could be as simple as the voltage regulator which is much cheaper than replaceing the alternator. Which is great but I couldnt seem to find any threads relating to a particular volt/reg for the alt. on our pathys.

 

Any advice?

 

I did however like the write up's on the 110 amp alternators, if she wasent my everyday driver and I had the time and resources...

[RedPath88]

The Voltage Regulator is built into the alternator.

 

In my experience, if it under charges then the Alt is bad, if it over charges the regulator is bad.

 

If you want to upgrade to a 110, but need it now, you might consider a wrecking yard stock alternator to get you by until you can swap in a 110

[radar]

Now adays the reulator is part of the alternator in most cases, you could check to see if all the connections on the alternator and battery are clean and tight, as well, ensure the alternator belt is tight.

[thndrwhls]

Thanks guys, I'm droppin her off at at local Nissan specialist tomorrow. She needs some TLC other than the Alt., getting the left rear axil seals replaced so I am gonna let them do the alternator to. Tweak some leaks and other issues to.

 

I hate to depend on the shops but its a necessary evil at this time.

 

Thanks for the advice guys...