Alternator: Rebuild or Buy New?

[Untamed]

Once again the TA won't start. Since I traced the problem to low voltage from previous similar experiences, some time ago, I expected the same problem again. Sure enough, not enough cranking amps after running the car at low speeds a few times throughout 2007 around the storage place. After chasing the wires in a bunch of places with a volt meter and aligator clips, I can only conclude that the alternator is bad.

So now the question is: do I rebuild the one I have, or buy a new one? I've never rebuilt one before, and would like to learn how, but I don't want to sink money into the thing only to have to buy a new one anyway. How difficult is it for a person with some skill and smarts to do it? Are there any online guides you guys have used / recommend to help me? I searched on Google and came up with all kinds of guides, but they are all over the place with their directions. One clown put up a wiki that looked real hokey.

Is it worth it to rebuild the alternator, or is the cost of a rebuild kit almost as much as a referb'ed alt?

Thanks!

[WildBillyT]

I'd get a refurbished one, I personally don't think it's worth the hassle. Hell, I've got a stack of working alternators stored with my car. Two are refurbished with only a few hours of runtime, and if one fits you can have it. How quick do you need one? I'd have to dig one up.

[Untamed]

Awesome Bill, thanks!

Soonest I'd get back to my car to put it in is this weekend, with no guarantee that this weekend will do. Goes back to that thread about relationships and priorities. ;)

I think I need a 120 Alt, but not certain. No heavy load since I dont have any aftermarket electronics.

Let me at least buy you a beer at the next meeting we're together. Being in Raritan, you're on my way home since I work near Morristown and live in Hillsborough.

Thanks!

EDIT: Book says 105, not 120 I guess.

[WildBillyT]

I hear ya man. I'll head to the shop tomorrow to take a look.

[Pampered-Z]

Rebuild kits use to be cheap, but last time I checked for the price of a rebuilt kit, most times for a few bucks more you can get a reman. with lifetime warranty.

Rebuild is easy; the kits contain the bearings, springs/brushes and diode/regulator. Basically mark how the 2 cases so you know how they line up, take it apart, clean it out, and install the new parts. The biggest PITA is usually getting the pulley off the front, and sometinmes the bearings can be a pain. GM alts are fairly easy to work on. I've taken many apart to polish the cases. There really isn't a lot to them. you'll see when you open it up how the brushes sit, during reassembly you slide toothpicks into the holes in the case to hold them back out of the way.

[Mike]

Awesome Bill, thanks!

Soonest I'd get back to my car to put it in is this weekend, with no guarantee that this weekend will do. Goes back to that thread about relationships and priorities. ;)

I think I need a 120 Alt, but not certain. No heavy load since I dont have any aftermarket electronics.

Let me at least buy you a beer at the next meeting we're together. Being in Raritan, you're on my way home since I work near Morristown and live in Hillsborough.

Thanks!

EDIT: Book says 105, not 120 I guess.



buying him a beer would require you BOTH to be at the SAME monthly meet. THAT WOULD BE AWESOME

[BonzoHansen]

buying him a beer would require you BOTH to be at the SAME monthly meet. THAT WOULD BE AWESOME

Or Tuesday CNJ CFS meet. ;)

Those pulleys come off easy with an impact gun.

[Untamed]

Or Tuesday CNJ CFS meet. ;)

Those pulleys come off easy with an impact gun.

Might have to make arrangements to pick up Bill then drive down to a CFS meet. :nod:

I'm going to take apart the old alternator and fiddle with that. I still want to learn what makes the damn thing tick, so to speak.

[WildBillyT]

Ok, I was able to find the two of them that are in very good shape. I've got a collection of 5 LOL. They are both for V-Belt applications. I don't have any "newer" stuff anymore, I tossed the serpentine alternators last year. I have the sinking feeling that those are what you needed.

1: Delco DL7127M 10SI 63 amp alternator from Autozone. Clocked at 12:00.
2: Delco 1100217 12SI 78 amp alternator (they stamped over the amp rating on the unit but I looked it up and it seems to be 78 amps.) Clocked at 3:00.

Have a look at this and let me know if either fit the bill.

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/delcoremy.shtml

[Tru2Chevy]

Yea, 87 was the changeover year for 3rd gens (serp and V belt), and 88-92 were all serp. belts.

- Justin

[Untamed]

Yep need the serp belt ones.

Shootskie!

Thanks for looking Bill. I'll still buy you a beer if we meet up. 8-)

Got the battery recharged at Autozone yesterday, so just need to replace the alt.

So close!