My Alternator died... I was stuck and didn't want to wait for shipping so I got this one for 95 bucks.... Did I make a mistake? Should I order a really great one as a back-up and what kind should I get?

1991 C4

I thought it would be simple to replace.... I found it to be a huge pain!


http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/sea ... 041286&keyword=alternator

Link won't work for me, maybe because I am on my phone.

Most of the parts store alternators have questionable quality. Some people have had good luck with them, though. I prefer having the gm alternator rebuilt locally.

As far as replacing it, the job really shouldn't be too tough. What part did you find the hardest?

Matthew

Ya, It's hit or miss. I'd run it and see how it works out. It came with a warranty, right? I changed out a perfectly good GM alternator once only to find that was not the problem. It's replacement has run fine for over 5 years now.

I'm running a NAPA rebuilt, 5 years so far.

Quote:
A breaker bar to take the tension off the serp belt and 2 bolts to undo, one of the easiest jobs on a C4

Ken - take your original alternator over to Astro Electric in Lomita and have them rebuild it. $100, new diodes, brushes, done.

Thanks, I ended up taking it to shop to replace the alternator. I saved mine - how do I tell if it's the original? If it is, I will have it rebuild and Astro Electric. When I tried to replace it, I cut my wrist and hands... they should have a lot of sharp edges under the hood of my 91 Vette. It may have easier with the right tools. But I gave up and towed it to a shop... grrrr....

Ken, if you ever have to replace it again, buy something called a serpentine belt tool from Harbor Freight for about $25. You use it to relive pressure on the tensioner and get the belt off...then you can remove the alternator without tension on it. You can also use a breaker bar like vetteoz mentioned, but the serpentine belt tool works a little better.

I just bought a new Remy Gold from Rockauto $68