355 Alternator aftermarket?

I've replace the alternator in my '95 F355 three times in five years. It is a Denso unit. I have used the factory replacement every time rather than rebuilding the bad one(s). Maybe that was a mistake. It would be great if there was an "off the shelf" replacement, but I doubt there is one.

Jeff

 

Martin,

The guy I bought my '97 from said he had the alt. rebuilt. If you are interested, I can give you his email.

 

the alternator on my 95 stopped functioning on the track one day. I had it rebuilt by an independent shop recommended to me by a couple of car guys.

There should be no problem with a rebuild in most circumstances so sdon't be afraid to go that way. If I remember correctly what tend to go out are elctronics that are somewhat heat sensitive (diodes in the voltage regulator circuit for one). thisis understandable when you consider the heat the motor gives off and the location of the alternator...plus the fact it is "enclosed" by the aero panels on the bottom of the F355.

If the shop is reputable they can replace the electronics and check bearings and windings and make a recommendation. A complete rebuild for me (3 years ago) was about $225.

 

It is much cheaper to have it rebuilt and you can have extra windings added and better diodes which will make it put out more current and last longer. I had both of the alternators on my BB512i rebuilt for $150.00 each.

 

If it didn't work after rebuild I can only guess that:

a. The problem is on the car, or

b. They did not rebuild it properly. You need to use a shop that knows NipponDenso stuff - a good one can return just about anything to as-new condition (broken case/shaft excluded..).

 

i would have the unit rebuilt only if i knew the builder. they need to use quality parts inside or you are asking for it again.why is it going bad ? lack of good grd,heat[engine or over worked] ya know about the belt and testing the battery. there should be an external grd strap.
ND part numbers 158047 12v 101211 - 7540
maybe napa might be a good try . let me know forza frank

 

Had mine rebuilt twice and never got rid of the problem .... occasional flashing light etc. The shop checked everything and it was perfect on the test bench.

Got a new OEM bit ($1200) and the problem went away.

Pete

 

As Frank mentioned, the most common reason for failure is a missing ground strap. You can either buy the factory one for $26 or so, or just buy a generic one at the auto parts store for $6 and install it. Just get the shortest one possible, as it only needs to be about 9 inches long.

The factory part number is 180904

Oh, and as mentioned the factory alternator is a Nippondenso, not Delco.

 

ND part numbers 158047 12v 101211 - 7540

http://www.exchange-starters-and-alternators.co.uk/

 

Make certain that you replace your battery whenever you replace your alternator.

Likewise, make certain that you replace your battery rather than jump start your car...

...because in both cases a dead or nearly dead battery will cause the 348 and 355 alternators to get too hot by working too hard to recharge those batteries.

That shortens the life of the alternator and battery.