Alternator questions

Hello everybody, I am trying to get our car done by the end of this summer, and among the things I must deal with is the alternator. Our car still has the original alternator, and at this point I am getting only 12.7-12.8 volts at idle, and about 13.2 at normal driving rpms, so it’s time to deal with it. I could just have the original rebuilt, and I'll probably will and keep it, as I do with any parts I replace on the car, but I would prefer to upgrade with a new, higher output, alternator. I have found a few options, but before I make a final decision I have a few questions. I think I know the answers from reading previous threads and looking at all my manuals, but I figure it would be best to use the combined wisdom, experience, and knowledge of this forum before I make a final decision how to proceed, and to be completely honest, I have not had the opportunity lately to physically look at the alternator on the car, I’m sure if I had some of my questions would have been answered, but since I haven’t, here are the questions:

• Output post out the side or out the rear.
• Built in regulator or external regulator.
• If built in, is it a 1-Wire regulator or a plug in.

I hope some of you have the answers.

 

Hi Robogeeks

My advice is to keep it stock. Or what problem are you trying to solve?
Here a few pics of a QV/3.2 Alternator. The regulator is bolted into the back, the condenser is also attached with one screw.

Cheers
Urs
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

If it is charging the battery then it is working- just get it rebuilt so it lasts another 10 years. Mine was trouble free in my 20 years ownership of the mondial 3.2

 

I also advise keeping it stock. My 3.2 alternator was 24 years old when I had it rebuilt for about $115.00. To be honest, it wasn't failing after 24 years, but I took it off to access something else and it did show some wear ... after 83,000 miles!
Besides, have you checked the price of a new one?

 

I have an 85 QV. My alternator completely died last year (quit outputing any voltage/current).

We removed the alternator, took it to a local alternator/generator repair shop. They rebuilt it for $110. And, they cleaned and polished it so that it looks new.

As David says above, check the price of a new one! But make sure you are sitting when doing so! Rebuilt is the way to go.

That was a year ago. Haven't had any trouble since then.

Sid

 

Last month, I have changed my alternator. Initially I planned to change the bearings due to the fact that they were making a screaming noise.
Once removed I went to the shop, and they have recommended me to replace the old one since it would cost me a lot more to rebuild or replace the bearings.
The new one costed me 355.24€ (incl VAT)
See pictures.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I’ll be honest, I think the whole factory electrical system is kind of crappy. I have already replaced the circuit board in the fuse/relay box, as well as done the SRI fuse box upgrade and GCK upgrade, I also replaced the useless fiber optic lighting system in the center console with LEDs, and I am in the process of replacing the rear window regulators with Volvo units. The original alternator seems to be very robust, but the output is extremely low, only 85 amps max, about half that at idle, the alternator in my 2007 4 cyl Saturn has a better output. I am looking to add a couple of things to the car, including electric power steering and some kind of security system, and I need a higher output in order to do that. I have found many modern alternators with much higher outputs for less than $400, I just need to make sure I get the right one, that’s why I asked the questions. I will keep the original one in case we ever sell the car, like I do with any part I replace; I doubt it, I think my wife wants to get buried in it, but you never know. Thanks for the pictures, they help a lot.