Why do I keep frying alternators?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Medina,Ohio
Why do I keep frying alternators? Hey guys I`ve replaced about 4 alternators in the past 20k or so miles. It`s the same scenario every time, at high RPM`s, about 5k, I grab a gear and I get a "check gages" light. I look down, and my alternator is only charging at 12 volts, then stops charging all together. I keep replacing them with a Duralast Alternator and I test them before I put them on, but they dont last very long.
What the heck could be toasting my alternators? My battery box is broken, and my battery does move a bit. I was wondering, when I do the high rpm shift, maybe the battery is moving and arcing? Could that fry the alternator? The cables are tight.
I have a 1999 Camaro SS M6. No underdrive pullys and the belt is good.
Any suggestions or wild *** guesses would help. If I cant locate the problem Im going to have to take it into a GM dealer and we all know how much that can cost.....
What the heck could be toasting my alternators? My battery box is broken, and my battery does move a bit. I was wondering, when I do the high rpm shift, maybe the battery is moving and arcing? Could that fry the alternator? The cables are tight.
I have a 1999 Camaro SS M6. No underdrive pullys and the belt is good.
Any suggestions or wild *** guesses would help. If I cant locate the problem Im going to have to take it into a GM dealer and we all know how much that can cost.....
If you do arc with a loose wire you can fry the alternator. Make sure you don't have a bad ground somewhere. Do you run a large stereo system? I don't think 4 in a row can be bad.
you'd be surprised how crappy parts are these days, i would try an A/C Delco alternator. Also, do you wash your engine off at all? I went through two alternators in a row because they kept getting wet.
You have a couple of issues to address:
1. Secure your battery and cables
2. Duralast alternators = suckage. Delco rolls some shitty ones now and then but overall are good and getting better.
3. If you have a GM dealer install an alternator, you get a lifetime warranty part AND labor. Ask me how I know. Do it once, do it right. I did all the lifetime stuff on my car - water pump, o2s, A/C comp, alternator, starter, etc.
4. If you run a large stereo, upgrade the "big 3"
http://www.icixsound.com/vb/showthre...ighlight=big+3
5. If you do the above and STILL have issues, pay someone to find your short.
6. If there is no short, buy a HO alternator.
1. Secure your battery and cables
2. Duralast alternators = suckage. Delco rolls some shitty ones now and then but overall are good and getting better.
3. If you have a GM dealer install an alternator, you get a lifetime warranty part AND labor. Ask me how I know. Do it once, do it right. I did all the lifetime stuff on my car - water pump, o2s, A/C comp, alternator, starter, etc.
4. If you run a large stereo, upgrade the "big 3"
http://www.icixsound.com/vb/showthre...ighlight=big+3
5. If you do the above and STILL have issues, pay someone to find your short.
6. If there is no short, buy a HO alternator.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,647
Likes: 2,573
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
I hate rebuilt alternators from anywhere but the OE manufacturer. I've had waaay too many bad experiences with them (going through 3-6 units before getting a good one, etc.). I just go straight to GM now.
Moving to General Maintenance.....
Moving to General Maintenance.....
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Medina,Ohio
Thanks for your replys guys. Not big stereo.
I guess Im going to have to take it into GM. It would be kinda nice to have my car work with out getting my hands cut up.
Any ideas how much it would cost for install and labor?
I guess Im going to have to take it into GM. It would be kinda nice to have my car work with out getting my hands cut up.
Any ideas how much it would cost for install and labor?
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450 for alternator work??
I went through about 3 also before I got a good one. I even did the free "electrical test" at pep boys and they said everything was ok. Right now I have a Bosce in there seems to work well
I went through about 3 also before I got a good one. I even did the free "electrical test" at pep boys and they said everything was ok. Right now I have a Bosce in there seems to work well
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Originally Posted by jmilz28
You have a couple of issues to address:
1. Secure your battery and cables
2. Duralast alternators = suckage. Delco rolls some shitty ones now and then but overall are good and getting better.
3. If you have a GM dealer install an alternator, you get a lifetime warranty part AND labor. Ask me how I know. Do it once, do it right. I did all the lifetime stuff on my car - water pump, o2s, A/C comp, alternator, starter, etc.
4. If you run a large stereo, upgrade the "big 3"
http://www.icixsound.com/vb/showthre...ighlight=big+3
5. If you do the above and STILL have issues, pay someone to find your short.
6. If there is no short, buy a HO alternator.
1. Secure your battery and cables
2. Duralast alternators = suckage. Delco rolls some shitty ones now and then but overall are good and getting better.
3. If you have a GM dealer install an alternator, you get a lifetime warranty part AND labor. Ask me how I know. Do it once, do it right. I did all the lifetime stuff on my car - water pump, o2s, A/C comp, alternator, starter, etc.
4. If you run a large stereo, upgrade the "big 3"
http://www.icixsound.com/vb/showthre...ighlight=big+3
5. If you do the above and STILL have issues, pay someone to find your short.
6. If there is no short, buy a HO alternator.
warranty ***** 
