HELP!! Alternator problems

mustanggt350 · 06-26-2002, 07:57 PM

OK, I have gone through three alternators in the past two years. The first time it went out I traced a power drain to the starter so I replaced it with a better one. The second time, the barrings were shot and I figured I just got a crappy alternator. The third time, was two months after the second. Now my charging level is running low, and I'm afraid it is going to go out again. I have no clue what could be doing this!!! Any suggestions?

Almost Powerless in Seattle,

Shelby

PKRWUD · 06-26-2002, 08:07 PM

Do you have a multimeter, and/or a test light?

Take care,
-Chris

sn95gt19 · 06-27-2002, 12:55 AM

if it has an external regulator, i would say that. i dont know if it does or not though.

drudis · 06-27-2002, 12:31 PM

There is a place in Detroit (local to ME) that rebuilt mine with bad bearings for $35 out the door.

mpj76 · 09-05-2002, 12:57 PM

The same thing happened to me. I have an ex FHP car. The high output alternators are very old design chevy alternators (yikes). I've had mine rebuilt cheap like you about 4-5 times (every 6 mos). It would either be bearings going out or something inside frying out. Go to a rebuild place and get a rebuilt 3G (or G3? - current technology ford alternator 130 amps). It should cost a little over $100. The wiring changes from external to internal regulator are a piece of cake. It's all done right there in the engine bay. Have one of the techs show you. Bring a small grinder with you so you can grind out the bracket for the new alternator. The bolt holes match right up with no problems. The grinding is very minor and easy. I did mine while they wrote up the reciept (I've never used a grinder before this) I've had mine for over two years now with no problems and I can actually have my AC on full blast without my lights dimming. Good luck.

06-26-2002, 07:57 PM	#1
mustanggt350 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 173	HELP!! Alternator problems OK, I have gone through three alternators in the past two years. The first time it went out I traced a power drain to the starter so I replaced it with a better one. The second time, the barrings were shot and I figured I just got a crappy alternator. The third time, was two months after the second. Now my charging level is running low, and I'm afraid it is going to go out again. I have no clue what could be doing this!!! Any suggestions? Almost Powerless in Seattle, Shelby __________________ Quiet women rarely make history!! 1991 Medium Red Mustang GT (Scarlet)

06-26-2002, 08:07 PM	#2
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Do you have a multimeter, and/or a test light? Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

06-27-2002, 12:55 AM	#3
sn95gt19 motors done......woohooo Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 799	if it has an external regulator, i would say that. i dont know if it does or not though. __________________ 95gt lazer red (98 cobra clone) Rice Haters Club Member #116

06-27-2002, 12:31 PM	#4
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	There is a place in Detroit (local to ME) that rebuilt mine with bad bearings for $35 out the door. __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

09-05-2002, 12:57 PM	#5
mpj76 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 158	The same thing happened to me. I have an ex FHP car. The high output alternators are very old design chevy alternators (yikes). I've had mine rebuilt cheap like you about 4-5 times (every 6 mos). It would either be bearings going out or something inside frying out. Go to a rebuild place and get a rebuilt 3G (or G3? - current technology ford alternator 130 amps). It should cost a little over $100. The wiring changes from external to internal regulator are a piece of cake. It's all done right there in the engine bay. Have one of the techs show you. Bring a small grinder with you so you can grind out the bracket for the new alternator. The bolt holes match right up with no problems. The grinding is very minor and easy. I did mine while they wrote up the reciept (I've never used a grinder before this) I've had mine for over two years now with no problems and I can actually have my AC on full blast without my lights dimming. Good luck.