Replacing the alternator?
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 319
Likes: 1
Replacing the alternator?
Went to start my '99 V10 E350 van (for the first time in a few weeks) this morning and there was a high pitched squeal from the engine area. Gave it a bit of gas and all quite. Battery light came on. Shut it off and found the fan belt was hanging off... snapped.
Tried all the pulley's the belt came into contact with and it was clear the alternator was seized. Guess my weekend is already planned out for me
Fairly straightforward job is it? Looks like I can get to it after I remove that top air intake "bottle".
What do you use to pull on the tensioner to install the fan belt?
Any brands of alternator's you find more reliable?
Thanks for the help!
Tried all the pulley's the belt came into contact with and it was clear the alternator was seized. Guess my weekend is already planned out for me
Fairly straightforward job is it? Looks like I can get to it after I remove that top air intake "bottle".
What do you use to pull on the tensioner to install the fan belt?
Any brands of alternator's you find more reliable?
Thanks for the help!
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 137
From: Maryville
I had mine rebuild, the shop buffed it up for more amperage, my case front bolts required complete removal, he replaced it with the slotted one, just have to back the bolts out and slide it off.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Maple's idea of finding a qualified and high-quality alternator rebuilder is great----they often times can reman alternators to better-than-new specs with much better components too. Check your local yellow pages for someone who does this.
OR I've used NAPA's best quality alternators with stock output/capacity and have nothing but great experience. At that level you have lifetime warranty too.
Definitely do NOT scrimp on the belt---NAPA also has good quality for about $40 last time I needed one.
HTH
OR I've used NAPA's best quality alternators with stock output/capacity and have nothing but great experience. At that level you have lifetime warranty too.
Definitely do NOT scrimp on the belt---NAPA also has good quality for about $40 last time I needed one.
HTH
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 319
Likes: 1
I'd opt for the rebuild if possible.
Taking a look around it appears "rebuild" can mean several things. A complete rebuild includes bearings, brushes, rectifier and voltage regulator. That last part can be very costly ($50 - $60) and some do not mention they offer to install a new one.
One place offered me just bearings and brushes for $130. Seems high.
I was also told if mine is seized it may be hopeless as it may now have a damaged stator. Odd this happened so quickly since I had no waring it was going. No noise of any kind up until yesterday when I tried to start it.
Have yet to pull if off to see how bad things really are.
Taking a look around it appears "rebuild" can mean several things. A complete rebuild includes bearings, brushes, rectifier and voltage regulator. That last part can be very costly ($50 - $60) and some do not mention they offer to install a new one.
One place offered me just bearings and brushes for $130. Seems high.
I was also told if mine is seized it may be hopeless as it may now have a damaged stator. Odd this happened so quickly since I had no waring it was going. No noise of any kind up until yesterday when I tried to start it.
Have yet to pull if off to see how bad things really are.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Typically you'll find the better repair operators are those specializing in big trucks or industrial equipment. Vehicles like vans and/or pick ups are pretty much small potatoes to them but even so they'll do a good job.
You should receive an offer to do something simple and cheap or more extensive priced accordingly. $130 for brushes & bearings only is high---I'd keep looking around.
If all else fails there's always new!
You should receive an offer to do something simple and cheap or more extensive priced accordingly. $130 for brushes & bearings only is high---I'd keep looking around.
If all else fails there's always new!
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 5
From: N Ca.
a rebuild kit is only around 30 bucks
All you have to do is make sure the stator is ok
3G | Alternator Starter Rebuild Kits
Kit contains new brush holder/ voltage regulator assembly. A new slip ring, new bearings. New pulley nut and lock washer.
3G | Alternator Starter Rebuild Kits
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 137
From: Maryville
I miss the old V-belts, these toothed ones don't last as long, which must be the reason they make them, yet call it a V-belt, I had to buy a new one for the 73, always put a new belt on.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 286
From: Eastern TN
IIRC, toothed belts are meant for tight turns. The teeth allow the belt to compress putting less stress on the outer surface. I notice them to be quieter in such applications. But it's ironic if they don't last as long.Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 190K miles
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 137
From: Maryville
Less material, so they are cheaper, and not lasting as long gives them the ability to sell more, pretty sad, but tells how old mine is on the van, and why it's making noise, it has no teeth, it's ancient. LoL
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