Alternator Problem

[CSCustomCars]

Just bought my 94 SE, and I'm pretty sure the alternator is gone. It's got 151 thousand miles on it, so I'm sure it's probably shot. I will test it sometime later this week to be positive though.

 

Onto my question. I saw that I could get a voltage regulator and brush kit a lot cheaper than I can get a reman alt. So, is it the voltage regulator the usually cause for an alternator failure on these? It'd be a lot cheaper to get that than a new alt.

 

If not, I'll guess I'll be buying a new alternator. I'm hoping I won't have to to though...

[88pathoffroad]

Do you have any dash lights on? When the alt goes it'll turn on the BRAKE, VOLT and A/T TEMP lights (if you have an A/T). If you're unsure, take 'er to an auto parts store and have them test it! Most stores do it for free and you don't have to remove it.

[MY1PATH]

where'd you find the rebuild parts? My V/R went out and I Just replaced the whole thing.

[CSCustomCars]

Do you have any dash lights on? When the alt goes it'll turn on the BRAKE, VOLT and A/T TEMP lights (if you have an A/T). If you're unsure, take 'er to an auto parts store and have them test it! Most stores do it for free and you don't have to remove it.

 

I have a tester available to me. But I'll probably go to advance anyway. I'm too lazy to work on my own cars, when all I do all day is work on other people's cars.

 

And no, none of my lights are on, however, I have a Manual. But I'll check it out.

 

where'd you find the rebuild parts? My V/R went out and I Just replaced the whole thing.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/alternator-...Q2em118Q2el1247

 

I realize it's an eBay product, and probably not the best quality, however, it'd push out the need for an alternator a bit longer...

Edited November 6, 2008 by CSCustomCars

[packie88]

i said screw the stock 60 amp one and got a 180 amp alty to run my winch and all my other electrical needs and it rusn flawlessly and yea...lol

[88pathoffroad]

Stock should be 70 amps.

[CSCustomCars]

Okay this morning both the brake light and the battery light turned on. I had a used battery in it, and had it tested. It tested bad, so I got a new new battery. Starts and runs like a champ. It was cranking a little slow before, but all better now.

 

So I'm assuming the alt just finally cooked itself.

[Precise1]

You can fry your alternator driving with a weak battery that won't take a full change; the alty never quits working to charge it...

 

B

[CSCustomCars]

^^ Yeah I'm aware of that fact. I bought the battery used from the Auto parts store about 3 weeks ago. They sell used batteries that they get that are still good. However, this is the second used battery I bought from them that went bad in less than a month. So, I won't be buying them used there anymore. Only new. The good part is they guarentee them for 6 months. So I always got my money back.

 

I did have the alt tested, and it's still working, but it's definitely not up to snuff. It's worn. I'll change it out when I get a used one from a junk yard.