Ok, so what makes a car eat alternators? My 70 455 has killed 3 alternators in the last 1000 miles. I installed a new optima battery and soon afterwards it didn't have enough juice to start my car so I had the voltage regulator checked and it was good so I had the alternator checked and it was bad, so I replaced it. everything was ok for a couple of hundred miles but during my second or third night cruise it wouldn't start after I shut it off...I waited 15 minutes or so and the car fired up barely. I checked the timing and charged the battery, a few days later it was dead again. We tested the alternator and it was dead. So I exchanged it for another new one and had them test it before I left the store. everything was great for about 500 miles over 4 weeks. Then tonight I take it for a drive and my blinkers are real slow, my lights were not surging or anything, after I shut it off it wouldn't start. I do have an MSD 6AL box and ignition man mag trigger distributor and an 8200 coil with the stock alternator. I also had to install the diode when I installed the MSD box as the car would not shut off. I know the battery is good as I had the doors open for hours while installing my new carpet and front seats, I didn't start the car for a week while working on the interior off and on yet it fired right up when I was ready to move it.
Knowing the people on this board, someone will probably know exactly what it is - but have you checked the wiring for shorts? Just a thought. I'm assuming the belt isn't too tight.
If you have done no major work to the car like the MSD install lately then I suggest you question again wheter the VR is OK. Go to NAPA and get another which is about $12. It will be the fuse type. Install it and see what happens.
I forget what the orginal amps are on those altenator's were , but I have always thought if you change electornics like you have.It would be better to move up to a 10si alt and stay around 60-80 amp out put. That is my feeling.
37 and 55 amps woere the norm. You can get one the same shape at NAPA for say 65 amp etc. Leo is right about that. If you look on the back side in the slots you will note the gauge on the windings is bigger as you move up. The weight will increase too.
Rick, You have something going on. Did you burn up the chrome one?? Optima batteries are great, I have one. If you run them down and try to charge them with an alternator it can kill the alt. When it won't start will it start with a jump?? If no, it maybe a starter problem too. Those regulators fail often too. My first one only lasted about 75 miles. You need to test the charging system and full field the regulator before you condemn the alternator. I would try NAPA before AutoZone or Checker. I do not know if they will test on the car? Also check it for a draw. Sounds like you have more than one problem. I can fix it! Probably could do it at the house next weekend. John
That happened to me on my old Fird. I went through at least 4 or 5 until I finally upgraded and got a good one. If something was loading it down, it would make a constant whining noise and be extremely hot to the touch. If the diodes inside the alt become shorted, that could also cause that.........I'll bet you're just getting crappy rebuilds.......try upgrading to the more expensive grade (assuming you may have bought the cheeper grade). And then again, auto parts stores begin to whine also when you keep coming back with bad alternators! :laugh: :bglasses:
Thanks for all the responses guys. I had them test the last one on the car and the only thing they could find wrong was the the alternator was not putting out. I replaced it with the new one I made them test and it's been fine until now. I will replace the VR today and also have them test this alternator. IF it's bad I'll have them replace it too. It's Autozones best alternator but I'm not sure if it's a remanafactured one or not. I'll ask. John, No I haven't burned up the chrome one YET, I'd like to avoid that if I can. So I'm trying to sort this out before I install it. Besides I'm waiting until I get a few other pieces powder coated and plated before I install it all. Even if my changes today work would you mind taking a look under the hood for me just to see what you think? You may find something I FUBaR'ed? I may have the car up by your shop during the week, I'm waiting for John to get back with me on the headliner. HE did a great job on my seats! Thanks
I once had to replace four alternators in a row. They had a bad shipment. I would install one and it would go out the next day. The parts store try to blame me for ad installation. The parts store ran out of alternators and we were moving out of the area the next day. I ended up finding a generator shop in town and they rebuilt the one on the car. Seems the diode was bad. After it was installed it never gave us another problem.
ok, so I had them test the alternator and it was perfect, the VR checked ok but was hot and making noise. So I replaced it...So far so good, I'll take another drive today and see how it goes. :beer
So you may have a draw and/or a POS starter. Drive it to the shop and we will check it out. You could even leave it with me I will run it to John's. Depending on the day and time I could even run you home. We could use the HOV lane. If you bring that car my way and do not stop by to show it off I will be pissed. JP
Sounds like a plan John, thanks . I'll give you a call when John gets back to me. It's not at any kind of "showoff" stage yet but will be soon. :Brow:
