Just wondering if there's any alternator out there that didn't burn up the rear bearing. I have the 85-86 style alternator, and have been through a few "lifetime warranty" pep boys ones, all died because of the rear bearing. I posted a while ago about upgrading to an 87-92 style alternator, and a few people told me that it burned up the rear bearing, too.

So are we basically screwed in alternator choice? Do we have to dump $400 for an aftermarket high-output alternator?

I'd be satisfied with a +100 amp'er, like from an f-body with air conditioning...

 

I just put some grease in mine every hundred thousand miles or so.... keeps em going for a while

 

The '92 w/a V6 has the larger bearing and I've had no problem with the bearing (104A IIRC).

There is also an Iceberg kit (see Summit/Jegs, ~$50) for these alternators that contain a new rear case half (along with diode bridge and other stuff). That case has the larger rear bearing also.

RBob.

 

My stock 105A -AC Delco- 1988 alternator was replaced at 100.000 km. (62.500 m) (1993) in Canada.

The second (stock AC Delco 105A too) was "overhauled" in Chile at 170.000 kms in 1999. Today, at 220.000 NEVER problem with it (I think the bearing is in regular condition but charge is O.K. = 13.8 V).

My "limited" conclussion is only one: For alternators, only original AC Delco at normal prices.

At least, is my opinnion.

Denis V.

 

Well, you have stated the cause of your problem already. "Lifetime Warranty" Pep Boys alternator. They are junk! Either spend the money and get an AC Delco part, or take the time and rebuild it yourself. Its very easy to rebuild alternators...and cheaper too.

 

The police interceptor's (model year 1990 is what I got mine from) came with a high output, larger alternator (i believe it was 120 amp).. Uses an adapter piece to mount to stock alternator/ps bracket. Works good and fits just fine (had to re-clock it though)...

 

where do you get the parts you need to rebuild and alt?

 

Thanks for the info, guys! Maybe I will try rebuilding it myself one of these days. I take it the wires on the stator don't usually go bad? Oh; duh, I could probably check 'em with a meter, right?

Only kits I've seen on the 'net are through expressautoparts.com ... choose your car, then go under electrical, then you can buy an alternator bearing and rectifier and etc... plus Summit sells a kit. Can't find a pre-put-together kit on expressautoparts.com though...

 

I bought mine at www.partsamerica.com:

1 GMA03 ALTERNATOR REPAIR KIT "Victory Lap" (manufacturer) = $ 46.49 + shipping/handling.