Buying new alternator. need help!!!

[JP_R]

first of all, Happy Holidays forum members!!!!!

its turns out that my alternator went bad and I need to buy a new one (it is stuck). I can turn it with a wrench but I have to apply lots of pressure for it to turn.

I am planning on buying a new on from DB electrical. any opinions? any better brand for around same money?

My question is, is there any place that I can sell, trade, exchange my old alternator? Advance auto parts told me they usually take them and pro-rate them from the new one but I do not know if any marine shops or brand do that.

Thanks
JP

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Buying new alternator. need help!!!

You can probably buy an alternator from NAPA Autoparts. Some other autoparts places sell marine alternators and they'll usually always have a core charge which you cover with the old one.

They usually don't care what shape it's in ......or in the case of an automotive alternator, even if it's the same as the one you're buying!!

You can also consider going to an auto-electric place and see if you can get your old one rebuilt. It probably won't be all that cheap though.


Cheers,


Rick

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Buying new alternator. need help!!!

I bought an alternator from DB this summer and it's been working fine, it's a 100amp Delco 1 wire alternator. I put it through it's paces a couple times, (recharging my trolling motor batteries) and it's worked fine. Stunk a bit the first time I put a good load on it, but been fine otherwise.

As far as I can tell it's a Chinese knock-off and the only problem I had were the housing screws. I had to re-clock the rear housing the get the + terminal in the correct position and my socket would barely fit on the the bolt(screw). I had to tap the socket onto each bolt and tightening them back up was interesting as the socket was trying to push off. The clearance between the housing and bolt was a bit tight, not the same as on a real Delco alternator. Eh, what do you expect for a knock-off

Oh yeah, if you old alternator is locked up it might be a seized front bearing. I've replaced a couple of them and it's a cheap/easy fix. If it's the problem, run down the the auto parts store with the bearing in hand and buy a replacement, should be less than $10. If it's just the front bearing, I'd fix/save your old alternator in case the DB unit takes a crap.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Buying new alternator. need help!!!

...might be a seized front bearing.

X2

My Delco alternator was slowing down to the point it began eating the belt and screeching at idle, so I knew the symptoms...fried bearings. Went to local mom & pop automotive repair shop and the fellow unzipped the case halves, put in new front and rear bearings, blew the dust bunnies and rubber powder out of the windings, polished the pulley and reassembled. Took maybe 15 minutes and $25.00 Made me a happy boater. Gave him a $5 tip. YMMV!

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Buying new alternator. need help!!!

Keep in mind your gonna pay the premium for the marine grade. I have always used the electric motor repair shop in my area to rebuild starters and alternators and such back to good as new at a great price they tebuilt my starter on my rig for $30.00and once rebuilt the alternator on my wifes STS Caddy for $40.00 replaced everything but the housing that starter new went for well over $500.00 but most likely in your case it's the bearings it's worth a try

 

[redjmp]

Re: Buying new alternator. need help!!!

I took mine into my local rebuilder and he wanted over $200!
I ended up getting one shipped from db for under $60 total.
I has run perfect ever since.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Buying new alternator. need help!!!

I bought a delco marine 100 amp 3 wire alt from DB a month or two ago and it's been wormig fine since.

It was cheap too.

 

[stuartboater]

Re: Buying new alternator. need help!!!

I purchased an alternator for my 5.0 GL from DB
It was listed for less than $100. works great
Only problem was one of the connectors broke off at the top after about 7 months. It did not cause a problem.
Kicks out a good charge and fit like new.

 

[JP_R]

Re: Buying new alternator. need help!!!

Thanks guys. I purchased my new alternator from DB and I will try to fix the old to keep just in case the DB fails.

I was able to unstuck it using a wrench and it now rotates 3/4 without problem and then stuck again. It does look like the bearing.

Happy Holidays!

 

[HPTGreyGhost]

Re: Buying new alternator. need help!!!

Definately suggest you get the other rebuilt and keep it on board as a spare. I've had 1 db delco 1 wire die on me at sea. Glad I kept a spare withme when my humminbird told me it wasn't charging. On a side note, the db staff is very knowledgable and got me a replacement easy. Its still working.

If there isn't a local alternator starter repair place look for a vacuum repair place like electrolux. Those guys can generally help you out and seem bored at least at the shop near me.