Alternator's almost Toast

[Tiger Bass 5,000+ posts]

Ok, this is a bunch of bullshit. My car is sitting in their parking lot. I go there to get my car and they are like, we cant let you take it yet, we have tools in it. So I ask them what kind of tools, I need my car back. The lady at the desk tells me, just come back tomorrow, we'll have it ready then. Im pissed as hell and go check my car out to make sure nothing is missing. Still pissed though because I told them I didnt want them to work on it. I figured this was pretty damn simple knowledge to the fact that I WANT MY CAR BACK.

/rant

Ok, I havent actually looked at any HO alternators yet seeing as how the option of deciding to get one just came across my mind a little bit ago. What do I need to look for when I get one. Are the alternators fairly universal fit for each make of car because they dont seem to make a whole lot for my car in particular. Any particular brands to stay away from? Im looking to spend as little under $250 as possible.

 

[CBFryman2 5,000+ posts]

Just buy an alternator for your car. E-Mail different companies. Mean Green has good prices and a wide selection. If you have a standard case alt then it you just have to get that case.

 

[BoomBoomBoy 10+ year member]

Ok, this is a bunch of bullshit. My car is sitting in their parking lot. I go there to get my car and they are like, we cant let you take it yet, we have tools in it. So I ask them what kind of tools, I need my car back. The lady at the desk tells me, just come back tomorrow.

Tell them it's against the law to hold your car. Further tell them that unless they return your keys and remove their tools, you'll call the Police.

Seriously, the cops will make them comply and you should too.

 

[Tiger Bass 5,000+ posts]

I didnt even think about it at the time. I'll be there bright and early tomorrow though.

 

[stalephotograph 10+ year member]

excessive amperage priced me a 200amp alt built for my s10 for $290 shipped. i thought that was a decent price, you should check them out. plus i think the guy told me it puts out like 100amps at idle.

 

[DumpinTreos 10+ year member]

I actually have a 1998 sentra and its not as easy as everyone is saying it is. I've done the work about 4 times myself, most likely your tenshioner is gonna be in a tight spot and its a big help to have someones help to align the bottom bolt. And to actually pull out the alt you need to take off the fans and unplug the radiator hose so its about a 2-3 hour job all in all I think my local shop charged 70 bucks to swap em.

 

[Tiger Bass 5,000+ posts]

I actually have a 1998 sentra and its not as easy as everyone is saying it is. I've done the work about 4 times myself, most likely your tenshioner is gonna be in a tight spot and its a big help to have someones help to align the bottom bolt. And to actually pull out the alt you need to take off the fans and unplug the radiator hose so its about a 2-3 hour job all in all I think my local shop charged 70 bucks to swap em.

I thought so to be honest. Because its really deep on the side of my engine with about 4 inches of space. Doesnt seem too easy to me to be honest.

 

[Tiger Bass 5,000+ posts]

I tested the alternator myself and it wasnt even measuring 2 volts. Battery was also dead but I got a free one. Morons who work at car shops FTMFW. Alternator was FAR from being a 15 minute job. Took exactly 3 hours counting the drive back up the auto store. I have to take off Power steering and AC belts and the upper radiator hose to get to the alternator and alternator hose. Then the replacement alternator sat just a little funny to where we had to pry the belt back on even with the tensioner fully loose. Everything is all right though. But I saved $150 since my dorm RA knows more about my car than I do...though he's never owned an import. Just a part time mechanic. My subs are getting their full power now and my headlights work now. Apparently my alternators been going dead for quite some time. There is a smell right now though. Im thinking its either antifreeze burning off, oil and grease burning off the manifold, or a leaf got stuck in my heating and it burning up. Either way, my car feels brand new again.

The alternator is a 70amps, is that decent for running a 500w setup?