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I was so proud of my AutoZone alternator, until...

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I converted to a Delco-style alternator some time back and I chose the AutoZone Duralast 66 amp unit. Their top-of-the-line unit, all new and American-made. Lifetime warrantee, too.
Well, I needed it. The bearings are are screaming on it when the unit warms up. Not good. Now, AutoZone will replace it, no questions asked, but I had to do a lot of grinding on the housing to make it fit my engine bracket.

Soooo, hang the cost, I went to a professional shop that rebuilds alternators and told him to "make it better than new". First, there was a rattle inside the unit when it was in my hand. The shop said that they will either rebuild everything inside or just put one of their units on the backside of my frontside (front half with the pulley and fan). He did comment that that unit is of average quality, nothing special, and could be a lot better built.

I will keep you all posted.

I love the way it works, I just want more than 1 year out of the darn thing.


Bill
 
Re: I was so proud of my AutoZone alternator, unti

In the last 15 years I have installed 7 or more in my GM cars. I am convinced they don"t make them like they used to. The higher output units are fragile. My Lucas generator is 43 years old.
 
Re: I was so proud of my AutoZone alternator, unti

I've made the mistake of using AutoZone Water Pumps (non-LBC application) in the past. I would spend my money elsewhere.


On the same subject...


How would one go about making an Alternator upgrade?
 
Re: I was so proud of my AutoZone alternator, unti

the correct unit is one that fits a ford fiesta I think 78-80 model, I put one on my 71 and it works fine, had to do a little modifications on the mount, just adding washers to get it to line up, you can get it through viking imports in charlotte NC, Its a Bosch unit
 
Re: I was so proud of my AutoZone alternator, unti

I've had the Fiesta Bosch unit for about 8 years. I've had to replace the brushes once but other than that no problems.

I did have to build a bracket to mount it (very micky mouse too, goes under the DCO category but it works) though as I have the air pump, and we have strict emessions testing here so I didn't want to remove it.
 
Re: I was so proud of my AutoZone alternator, unti

[ QUOTE ]
In the last 15 years I have installed 7 or more in my GM cars. I am convinced they don"t make them like they used to. The higher output units are fragile. My Lucas generator is 43 years old.

[/ QUOTE ]

All of these units that are being mentioned are of the CS-130 series of alternators. Initially, the CS's had problems with bearing sizes (too small), inadequate capacity of the rectifier, and a marginal internal fan. ALL of these problems were rectified (no pun intended) as running changes, and that unit is now very reliable. Don't confuse those units with the 10SI.

The 10SI unit that most of us use as replacements has a long history of being very robust and reliable. It's unfortunate that this particular unit in question suffered from premature bearing failure. Our company has seen way too many Chinese bearings coming in that are just not very good. We got burned once, and are very careful now when purchasing bearings for our alternators.
 
Re: I was so proud of my AutoZone alternator, unti

There was a conversion kit on ebay for $139.00. I asked him what alternator he uses and it was the Delco 10SI. You can see a pic of it at www.trparts.com Sounded kinda expensive since the alternator is fairly cheap. I guess TR6Bill could tell you if it worth it to save the agravation of having to do it yourself.
 
Re: I was so proud of my AutoZone alternator, unti

That conversion kit is for the TR3-TR4...for replacing the generator. The drive end housing does not have to be modified, and the pulley that he supplies is for the 3/4" drive belt.
 
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