Alternator disappointments.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 46
From: Palm Bay, Florida
Guys, It has been discussed many times before about the junk Chinese alternators from the box stores.
It has long been the right thing to do is have YOUR KNOWN ORIGINAL rebuilt locally by a quality auto electric shop that is trusted.
MY alternator on my LATE '99 went out a couple of months ago and thankfully I have a GREAT shop just about 5 miles from my home in Palm Bay Florida.
They use TOP QUALITY parts, and completely rebuilt mine in just 3 hours time, cost was $160, and the recommended AGANST upgrading to higher output unless there was a huge extra demand which I do not have.
I'll bet they would be receptive to having folks send their units in for rebuild then returning then....
Place is Malabar Auto Electric........https://www.google.com/#q=Malabar+Au...Palm+Bay%2C+FL
It has long been the right thing to do is have YOUR KNOWN ORIGINAL rebuilt locally by a quality auto electric shop that is trusted.
MY alternator on my LATE '99 went out a couple of months ago and thankfully I have a GREAT shop just about 5 miles from my home in Palm Bay Florida.
They use TOP QUALITY parts, and completely rebuilt mine in just 3 hours time, cost was $160, and the recommended AGANST upgrading to higher output unless there was a huge extra demand which I do not have.
I'll bet they would be receptive to having folks send their units in for rebuild then returning then....
Place is Malabar Auto Electric........https://www.google.com/#q=Malabar+Au...Palm+Bay%2C+FL
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
Supercab, did they say why the recommended against bumping up output? I plow and have an old style (non-led) 4 light strobe system and an electric salt spreader with an elevtric vibrator that I run in the winter which can really tax the electrical system.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: south cali
My original alternator just took a dump two weeks ago.
I always go to a trusted shop i have used for many years whenever a starter or alternator needs work done. I get to the shop but the owner was not there, but since i needed the truck next day for a trip i went ahead and told his employees to get working on it and rebuilt it. I saw them take it apart and replace several pieces... one hour later they were installing back in my truck, then the ower comes walking in the shop, and i get to talking to him. (we've become friends over the years).
As soon as he sees my alternator, he chuckles and says. "Did they just rebuilt your alternator?" ..... "yes sir, i replied"
Apparently the alternator from a Windstar is a drop in replacement he recommends. (higher output) He actually has a few original motorcraft rebuilt units on hand ready to go for cases like mine.
So, it might be something to consider. I am not sure why he recommends the windstar unit, but it does kinda make sense, since the windstar vans have a lot more current demand. Especially the ones with the duo A/C units.
I always go to a trusted shop i have used for many years whenever a starter or alternator needs work done. I get to the shop but the owner was not there, but since i needed the truck next day for a trip i went ahead and told his employees to get working on it and rebuilt it. I saw them take it apart and replace several pieces... one hour later they were installing back in my truck, then the ower comes walking in the shop, and i get to talking to him. (we've become friends over the years).
As soon as he sees my alternator, he chuckles and says. "Did they just rebuilt your alternator?" ..... "yes sir, i replied"
Apparently the alternator from a Windstar is a drop in replacement he recommends. (higher output) He actually has a few original motorcraft rebuilt units on hand ready to go for cases like mine.
So, it might be something to consider. I am not sure why he recommends the windstar unit, but it does kinda make sense, since the windstar vans have a lot more current demand. Especially the ones with the duo A/C units.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 46
From: Palm Bay, Florida
No, They did not. seems to me that IF there were more $$ to be made they would do it, but I think they are pretty darn knowledgeable so they didn't.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,500
Likes: 14
From: South Carolina
I talked with several co-workers and got a local recommendation.
Tuesday afternoon I dropped it off at the recommended rebuilder.
Early today (wednesday) i got the call that it was finished and ready for pick-up. $92 and change.
I got a refund on the $200 China alternator on the way home.
It is installed and I am up and running.
Tuesday afternoon I dropped it off at the recommended rebuilder.
Early today (wednesday) i got the call that it was finished and ready for pick-up. $92 and change.
I got a refund on the $200 China alternator on the way home.
It is installed and I am up and running.
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