Why is it so hard to find an alternator?

[eodcoduto]

The alternator in the Suburban has been sounding rough since I got it, 3 years ago, and it finally gave up the ghost this weekend. So I dug into the internets and searched for a replacement (K81) 66amp 12si, and upped it to the 78 amp from the stock 66. Amazon had a Delco Remy, so I bought it and the next day it showed up; and it was for a 1996 Jeep Cherokee.

I return it and hit up Napa online. I had called the stores and there wasn't one within a 4 day pickup, so I ordered the optional 12si 108 amp and 3 days later it comes in, and it is a 17si clocked at 9 o'clock. I will be sending it back tomorrow, so then I hit rockauto who didn't have a D.C. tax agreement the last time I tried to order from the but apparently they do now so I'll go back to them as my first choice.

This usually wouldn't be a big deal but the Passat has to go back to VW for the 2nd time this week for an emissions CEL to due with the DEF heater (3rd time) and all the TDI emissions fixes.

What a pain for such a simple part.

 

[sweetk30]

had these guys 200 amp unit for over 12-13 years now no problems .

https://www.ebay.com/sch/alterstart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

 

[Wes Harden]

Powermaster 7294 Alt GM 12SI Natural 100A 1V Pulley 1 or 3 Wire https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001G9G774/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Fc5jEb8E8042Y

Put that one on my 77 works great keep 2 battery charged



At idle with 2 batt

 

[eodcoduto]

Those look good, I am hoping this one shows up with the right size case and clocked at 12 like the description. Small victories are all I need right now.

 

[imiceman44]

Those look good, I am hoping this one shows up with the right size case and clocked at 12 like the description. Small victories are all I need right now.

I have bought alternators before that were clocked wrong I just clocked them correctly. As long as nothing else is wrong I wouldn't return.

 

[vandelay industries]

i got a delco remy, but i don't remember where i got it from. Possibly direct from Remy or rockauto.

BTW, if you ever run into any DC problems(first i have heard of this), contact me to get the part. Do you live on Bolling? We could meet at the gate, because i suspect getting on base would be a problem for me. Or somewhere off-base. i'm not far.

 

[diesel4me]

I think I've bought only one alternator from a parts store since I got my license in 1977...all the GM vehicles I owned used the same type with the integral regulator,except the '71 and '72 GMC & K5 I had,that had an external regulator..

I only had a few alternators fail ,and I put a rebuild kit in them,all they needed was a new diode trio & regulator and brushes--never had one that lunched a bearing,maybe I'm just lucky...but installing new bearings isn't that difficult either..

The few times I had to replace an alternator was due to the casting breaking off at the belt adjustment bolt--one I ran for several months with a block of wood hammered between it and the bracket to keep the belt tight....another one fried completely when the positive battery cable melted against the exhaust manifold..

I found many salvage yard alternators that had rebuilt stickers on them that looked like they were installed a few days before the car got crashed or scrapped--got them for $15 each...I saved all the ones I got during engine swaps,and had more given to me by friends that just bought rebuilt ones too..
I always go to the salvage yard first,especially if I find the stores want like $150 for some electrical item they'll sell me for under $50 in most cases..they are usually already pulled off the vehicle and stored indoors too..cash & carry..

 

[muddermilitia]

Look to see if there is an alternator/starter rebuild shop in your area. I have a place nearby that has been open since 1954. I always have him rebuild my alternators and starters. I've had next day turn around times before.

 

[Big Ray]

I remember when the Pontiac Trans Sport already was a big favorite around here...140 amp stock.

 

[eodcoduto]

I re-clocked the 108 amp 17si, and the Rock Auto 12si is coming in tomorrow so I will figure out which one to use and return the other. I am leaning towards the 17si and modifying the alternator bracket for the bigger bolt and case. I am also debating putting on HMMWV pulleys.

 

[500$k5]

If things don't work out, I can rebuild your old one, or build you a new one, any output, any clocking, any pulley.