My buddy here with the 99.5 is having a rough go with alternators. First NAPA one lasted 6 months, 2nd one, the better level, 2 days, now on the third one(warranty).

My question is this, what do you recommend? OEM? Some other brand?

Thanks, Tom

 

How are your batteries? My batteries got weak on me, and I replaced them fairly quickly (so I thought), but 2 months later, I put in a new alternator. I was in a hurry, so I went with an AutoZoo Duralast New (not rebuilt!) unit, and it's still hanging in there 2 1/2 years later. I had to have both of my Duralast Golds replaced a month or two ago. At least they had a 3 year full replacement, so I got 2 1/2 years out of them, then a new set.

Alt is still hangin' in there, knock on wood...

 

The batteries are 2 months old, the first set had 1 bad so napa replaced both(after 2 weeks). They are good best I can tell, as after he let the truck sit until I could come diagnose the alternator, they pretty much rejuvinated themselves and started the truck in 20 degree temps.

Guy at NAPA, an "acquaintence" said half their alternators come back within a month, skeered the crap out of me, why I asked about OEM or whoever that makes something that works.

Thanks, Tom

Truck was finally running great, then he had hard or no starts, why i put the meter to the system while running, read 12.01 volts, had him get new alternator, was reading 14.2 volts, 2 days later, back to the 12....

 

I went with a 140A HD unit from 1999 & up Ford 7.3L, 6.0L & 6.5L, High output Alternators, and have been very happy with it thus far. Been in the truck for about 2 years. I believe DB electric makes some fine units as well that others have raved about. I think either one you'd be set for a good long time.

 

If I need another one, I'm getting a 160HD from the same place Mike did. Had I had time, before, I would've ordered one. Just couldn't wait for shipping time...

 

A local auto-electric rebuild shop usually does a much better job than the parts house chains that get them at rock-bottom, cut-rate prices from rebuilders that barely get them working after they were already someone else's failure.

There is no art remaining in rebuilding anything in today's throw-away world. No one seems to be able to do it themselves any more, so most get them from a supply chain that begins with junk in the hands of a minimum-wage "technician".

No wonder they have to offer that lifetime warranty! No one would buy that crap otherwise.

The real problem is readily-available repair parts for the components of our trucks.

I grew up in a world where you could buy replacement diaphragms and valves for mechanical fuel pumps, and you rebuilt your own, but no more. Not available to the public. Not enough profit in selling a $5 part to get a $100 component fixed when you can just sell the whole $100 part instead.

I have bought many brush kits for generators, alternators, and starter motors. They're getting harder to find nowadays. Last year I was still able to get a brush set/regulator for my 6G, so I did. It's still tickin' away.

I was always able to control the quality of the parts and workmanship that I put into my own repairs.

Now, I'm more and more at the mercy of that minimum-wage guy, and it's because he's the only one who can lay his hands on the parts.

Pop

 

Pop, you couldn't have expressed my feelings any better! I had my starter go out a few years back and took it to the local one man shop in Rochester Wa. Not only did he let me have the privilege of helping him rebuild mine due to his tired arthritic hands, but he took the time out to tell me about himself and his dream of retiring and panning for gold. Long story short, I have a starter that's still cranking like new, peace of mind knowing something about the man that built it, and the knowledge to take care of it in the future. All that being said, I have a DB alternator for now cause I'm waiting to find the parts to rebuild my stocker.

 

Jeff,

Have you seen this from jnelectric.com ?
http://www.jnelectric.com/images/pri.../Ford%206G.pdf

A neat illustrated breakdown for the 6G.

They even sell replacement slip rings (which I gotta' remember to order one of these days for my original 2000 alternator).

Pop

 

I've never seen that Marv, but I have it saved now, Thank You!

Tried to rep you Marv, but I'm in jail.........

 

Marv,

thanks for the link to the parts, when my factory one goes, that may well be my direction, rebuild it.

It is amazing how poor the quality of the rebuilt parts are now, but for the obvious reasons you stated, no one cares about quality anymore, its all about quantity....

Tom

 

I scored a used alternator & other parts for $60 and with my lighting & stereo plans, may just take it to a local shop & have it rebuilt to 200A.

I was poking around and came across this company: Mean Green

I called them and they do make 220A alternators with a 1yr warranty, and also starters with a 2yr warranty. I'm tempted to try them out, depending on what I can find locally here in MD. If I can wait until I'm back in CO, I know of a shop in Wheatridge that did the alternator in Pasquatch for ~$80 same day. I'll be visiting him if possible.

 

Great PDF Marv. Thanks.

Reps no worky.

 

Brendan, I'd like to know the name of that shop, just for my records.

 

Hey Guys,
Please make sure if you decide upgrade your alternator, that you also upgrade your cables as well, which may very well be the problem you are having in the first place!!!!.
Don't forget that the grounding cable to the engine block needs to the upgraded as well!!!

 

I looked it up on Google Maps and it's called "D and D Auto Electric" in Wheatridge, CO. Here's the address:

D and D Auto Electric
10920 West 44th Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-2714

Get Directions
(303) 423-6522