Need a new alternator

justi88 · May 25, 2013

My alternator is worn out, it can barely hold charge of my battery and my voltage gauge is reading at the minimum. My dash and headlights are very dim so its time for a change. What alternator brand should I get? I know there is ac delco, tyc and motorcraft which is pretty expensive. What do you guys recommend me to get both for price and reliability?

justi88 · May 26, 2013

No one guys?

MikeBo · May 26, 2013

Well i had heard good things about tough stuff, but my alternator from them made it about 3 miles and I had to return it to summit. If you can find an armature shop around they can reliably rebuild it, If you want to buy new go to ford or get a Powermaster, they are made in the US.

Mike

DeepList · May 26, 2013

Alternators can die at any minute and for any reason. I've had reman'd alternators go out within miles of the store and some that last for years and years. If you have the money available, I'd suggest getting OEM because that's just how I am. But if you can't afford OEM, get one of the cheaper ones, but make sure it has a decent warranty in case something goes wrong after you get it.

justi88 · May 26, 2013

I want to go with acdelco or motorcraft, because this is a heavy item the shipping might be pretty expensive. Rockauto is charging me 100$ for the shipping and its a reman motorcraft unit. I would still need to pay customs for this might come out at 470$! I think the acdelco would be a better choice, its a new unit with no core charge and this item would be probably around the 350$ once I get it here. Also good thing it has a 12 month or 12000 mile warranty.

Shifty Powers · May 26, 2013

PA performance is pretty good as well. Im getting ready to swap one onto my car this week as preventative maintenance. But yes delco or motorcraft off of rockauto will be fine.

But working at a shop before. Brand new alternators can someones be bad right away.

justi88 · May 26, 2013

Ill check out PA performance, where did you get it from? Friends of mine say I can maybe get it repaired here, sometimes its just the carbons that need to be replaced...

DeepList · May 26, 2013

$100 is pretty standard for something that heavy to go to Bolivia. I know the USPS won't ship there unless it's via Express Mail (which is $$$$) because of issues with the local infrastructure.