Hi,
Was wondering if anyone thought it was a good idea to do it youself with starters and alternators instead of buying rebuilt???

 

We have a place here that rebuilds them and it's usually half price or less than buying a rebuilt one and they have been very dependable too. I take all my stuff to them, tractors, trucks, cars, big rigs, anything with a starter or alternator.

 

If you can get the parts reasonable then yes it cheaper. Some alternators are simple some are not.

 

Most rebuilds are crap so it would be better to rebuild yourself or have it done at a shop *if* you can get good parts.

 

Hi,
Thanks!

That is a problem I have run into is the parts?

I have an independent auto parts store in town.

The owner builds race cars for local events and usually has the best rebuilds he can get!

Where are you guys buying parts???

 

Hi,
Does not seem to be a lot of people rebuilding starters anymore?

I'm going to have a go at it as I want an extra starter and alternator to keep in my truck for trips I have to do!

I decided to buy a used off of ebay as I didn't really care to lay in the mud at the u-pull-it!

And I got a kit for it on Amazon...

See what I can do, easy to bench test any way!

 

maybe take pics as you go along and do a tutorial for others who may want to go this route ? used to be common practice, but to save time most people nowadays just buy a rebuilt or new.

 

All valid points. Another reason for diy is, for me at least, satisfaction + increased self reliance.

 

i do not bother, there is a guy 1 mile up the road running the shop his father opened 75 years ago that does fantastic work for 1/2 the price of parts houses that does all my work. he rebuilt the factory alternator in my 88 when it was 9 months old and guaranteed it for life. that was 28 years and 490,000 miles ago, and it is still working just as good as the day he built it. same with the 250 amp alternator he custom built for the 02, and the starters in all the cars and trucks. i have never had to return one of his units as defective in over 40 years pulling wrenches.

 

Hi,
Well, to be honest I have had pretty good luck with rebuilt starters and alternators!

I did find out I was burning the diodes in my small OEM 65 amp G2 alternator.....

With my jacked up Alpine Stereo!

Did the G3 conversion with 4/O cable and a 175 mega fuse!

So far so good!

I have an out of town job so figured I would carry an extra starter and alternator.

Already carry a aluminum floor jack, stands and air pig and some tools!

Has saved me money on the road!!!