Since I got alot of help on my starting problem, I thought I'd try again. In 5 years I've gone through 5 Alternators. Sometimes the volt meter will go erratic for a few days, sometimes (like today) there is no warning. The volt meter goes to battery voltage. There aren't any other symptoms and although the alternators are replaced at no cost it's annoying and the car is less than reliable. Any ideas?
-
-
You And Everybody Else With C4s...
Al,
It's the nature of the beast. I got about 1 1/2 years per alternator on my 87. It's a case of too much power requirement and too little alternator.
Here's an idea: junk that AC-Delco and get one of those heavy duty aftermarket alternators that once advertised in the magazines. I can't remember the manufacturer, but it was developed specifically to fix this C4 alternator problem.
Chuck Sangerhausen -
Re: 91 Alternator-It's my 5th
Al-----
I don't know what kind of alternators that you're using, but I'd recommend only AC-Delco rebuilds. The GM part # is 10463097. I'd like to recommend a NEW alternator but, unfortunately, GM does not have available a new unit.
I find that earlier model (i.e. C2-C3) alternators can be rebuilt very successfully. These later C4 high output type units (105 amps, in your case) seem to be a lot more problematic in rebuilt form.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Brand X Alternators Not The Problem...
Joe,
Being a dyed-in-the-wool GM believer, I used up two AC-Delco rebuilt units in less than three years. Problematic is right; I believe its a design problem.
For my 87, I believe I saw an article in one of the Corvette magazines that presented an upgrade of the 105 amp alternator to a bigger unit for a later car. If I had kept the car, and it was due another alternator, I would have sprung for the aftermarket alternator. As I recall, it was pretty pricey compared to the $100-$120 for an AC-Delco rebuild. In this case, I feel like you do about a few other GM parts.
Chuck SangerhausenComment
-
Re: 91 Alternator-It's my 5th
Al, I was reading (Corvette Fever?) and there was an article a few issues ago about this very issue. As Joe L. suggested, the author stated that the GM rebuilds were far superior to the McParts rebuild. In addition, I THINK that the gist of the article was that the newer Corvettes have such a heavy power drain that it wears out the alternators. Similarly, I had a Maxima that went through batteries and alternators. Too many power accessories.
Gary 21316Comment
-
OK...The Final C4 Alternator Solution...
Al,
I looked up some of the articles in Corvette Fever that I remembered. The AC-Delco alternator for 86?-91 was the CS130 rated at 105 amps. In 92, the Corvette alternator was upgraded to the CS144 rated at 120 amps. I thought I had seen an article that showed how to upgrade older cars from the CS130 to the CS144, but I couldn't find that one, and I wouldn't attempt it without a lot of study and/or some testimonials.
The final solution to C4 alternator problems is supposed to be an aftermarket alternator built by Pro Auto Tech in Fort Meyers, Florida (941-482-8383) circa December 1996. The alternator is rated at 140 amps, and in spite of its 12 percent larger case, mounts on the same brackets and uses the original serpentine belt.
They say: (it has) "a heavy-duty rectifier bridge with a larger heat sink to dissipate heat. A heavy-duty regulator, sealed roller bearings, and an increase in windings makes for a pretty stout unit. A special one-tot(?) cable with gold-plated ends runs from the alternator output terminal directly to the battery terminal to minimize any voltage drops between the battery and the alternator". Installation is the same as the stock alternator and the kit comes with cable, terminals, and everything you need. I have no idea how much this alternator costs.
I HAVE NOT tried this alternator, but I am familiar with the problem. IF I still had my 87, THIS is what I would try next instead of continuing to give AC-Delco $120 every year or so.
Chuck SangerhausenComment
-
Re: 91 Alternator-It's my 5th
My two cents. I don't know you driving habits of your 91, but if it isn't a daily driver you might eliminate some problems if you would charge your battery with a battery charger before driving the car. I read that the alternator was not designed to recharge a car battery every time the car is driven. I have a 85 that still has the original alternator and it is driven frequently. My 96 has had no alternator problems and is not driven much, but I do charge the battery weekly and especially before it is driven. Time will tell if this practice increases service life. I do the same for my 68 and 70 battery before driving.Comment
Comment