Are there any decent alternators out there?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 155
From: Sedalia, CO
Are there any decent alternators out there?
I've read lots of threads on alternators in the last day, and the answer appears to be "no". Still I gotta ask. The parts store ones are terrible:
OEM - lasted 4 years/87000 miles
Autolite from Checker - lasted 5.5 years/22000 miles
Ultima from Checker/O'Reilly - lasted 4 months/2500 miles
Ultima from O'Reilly - lasted 2 years/10000 miles
Ultima from O'Reilly - lasted 1 week/2 miles
The Ultima's are Mexican made junk, but I'm going to trudge off tonight a get another one. Are the reman Motorcrafts from, say, Rockauto, any better? Any other better quality ones for a decent price?
Mark
OEM - lasted 4 years/87000 miles
Autolite from Checker - lasted 5.5 years/22000 miles
Ultima from Checker/O'Reilly - lasted 4 months/2500 miles
Ultima from O'Reilly - lasted 2 years/10000 miles
Ultima from O'Reilly - lasted 1 week/2 miles
The Ultima's are Mexican made junk, but I'm going to trudge off tonight a get another one. Are the reman Motorcrafts from, say, Rockauto, any better? Any other better quality ones for a decent price?
Mark
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
I bought the so-called OEM replacement one from Rock Auto (about $100+) and it's 100% new (not remfg). Made in China. It has gone a year and 3000 miles with no issues. I didn't get my old one rebuilt, as I was starting to get the runaround from my local rebuilder shop. I kept it, so I can have it rebuilt someday. Thanks for posting the, ahem, 'success' you had with chain store stuff.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 797
Likes: 1
From: UT
I bought a DC Power one about a month ago. Seems nice, but it took them almost 3 weeks to get it to me because of supplier shortages....even though it said "in stock" when I ordered.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/
There is also a pic mounted up in my signature line.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/
There is also a pic mounted up in my signature line.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
I'd like to know the answer to that question myself. 
My '99 truck still has the OEM unit (297k miles).
My other trucks have what looks like the OEM alternator but I can't be sure (since I haven't owned those truck since new...).
I figure that someday I'd eventually need an alternator so I picked up one from a salvage yard for $30 and then had it professionally rebuilt locally for $80-$90 (can't remember for certain..). At any rate, for around $115 I have a new unit in a box ready to go for whichever truck needs it first.
My '99 truck still has the OEM unit (297k miles).
My other trucks have what looks like the OEM alternator but I can't be sure (since I haven't owned those truck since new...).
I figure that someday I'd eventually need an alternator so I picked up one from a salvage yard for $30 and then had it professionally rebuilt locally for $80-$90 (can't remember for certain..). At any rate, for around $115 I have a new unit in a box ready to go for whichever truck needs it first.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 46
From: Palm Bay, Florida
I still think that having a known original thats never been through the chineese rebuilders would be the best bet to have a good old fashioned auto electric shop rebuild it.
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Hooper, UT
I too had terrible luck with 'parts house' alternators on my 2002 truck, got bad enough that I kept a spare in my truck box so I wasn't stranded on a trip somewhere with no power. Think I went through 6 in 4 years of ownership. I've heard the OEM units are better, but they are pricey. Also dealt with guys and friends with good results from the DC units, but never dealt with them directly so I can't really say...
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
So far, I've had good success from Nations Starter & Alternator. I've had their USA-made TAD 185 amp alternator (now sold as 190 amp) running on my Excursion for over a year with zero issues. Even with it being a higher than stack output, it is a true direct bolt-up, and it does NOT have the larger case other companies use which requires some minor modification for install.
TAD High Amp Ford Diesel Alternator- Nations High Amp Alternators
I also have a USA-made 165 amp unit (now sold as 160 amp) from QuickStart with a dual bridge rectofier which I installed on my F250. The QuickStart unit, though, required either grinding on the alternator bracket valley or the use of several washer shims between the alternator and the bracket on the engine.
6G Series High Output Alternator with Extra Heavy Duty Components
All-in-all, I would get another unit from Nations before I went back to QuickStart. The Nations unit had a much simpler install with more amp rating and was $20 cheaper.
TAD High Amp Ford Diesel Alternator- Nations High Amp Alternators
I also have a USA-made 165 amp unit (now sold as 160 amp) from QuickStart with a dual bridge rectofier which I installed on my F250. The QuickStart unit, though, required either grinding on the alternator bracket valley or the use of several washer shims between the alternator and the bracket on the engine.
6G Series High Output Alternator with Extra Heavy Duty Components
All-in-all, I would get another unit from Nations before I went back to QuickStart. The Nations unit had a much simpler install with more amp rating and was $20 cheaper.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,421
Likes: 5,506
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
when the 135 amp in my 02 died last year i took it to the local rebuilder down the road a way that i trust, and he built me a custom alternator that tested at 255 amps.
for $210.
for $210.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 155
From: Sedalia, CO
DC Power offers two "OEM" alternators: A 185a one for $269, and a 190a one for $339. The latter offers 20a more at idle, which I assume is what you're paying extra for. Is it worth it, particularly for someone with stockish power requirements?
Mark
Mark
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 797
Likes: 1
From: UT
ScaldedDog, I have stereo system with a couple of amps and a few subs. I thought it would be a good idea to buy a HO alt even though I rarely turn it up any more. I really liked the idea of getting max output at 1200rpms. With a high idle tune, you could charge up your batteries without driving anywhere. The 190A does put out more at idle, but I decided I could live with a little less for the $ differential. DC does use their own case so you don't have to give up yours for a core. They use a different plug connector(probably universal) and supply an adapter to the Ford harness. I plan on buying a rebuild kit and rebuilding my stocker just in case...
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
What about quality parts for a DIY rebuild? I know there were some folks here that have done that a few years ago. If anyone knows of some good parts, I'd be interested. That goes for starters too.
My autozoo alternator usually lasts 12 - 18 months before I have to replace it (for free at least).
My autozoo alternator usually lasts 12 - 18 months before I have to replace it (for free at least).
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 3
From: West of Chicago
My original alt lasted 275,000 miles I replaced it with an autozone new unit 10,000 miles ago. So far no problems but I had a local shop re build my factory unit wich is sleeping on the shelf next to the water pump I need to replace.