Alternators

[6speed]

Pushing close to 200k on ride and I am thinking about the alternator will prbably need some work before long and saw where Geno's has a 180 Amp alternator. My trailer has about 60 lights (LED) and about the only thing that is not LED on the truck are the headlights. What and why would I need the 180? What ya'll think?

 

[Prairie Dog]

You know, my original is only 130A (I think) and I've never needed more. I really wonder though, what would be better, a new Chinese alt or a good rebuild by a reputable shop on the old one?

 

[Shadrach]

180 is way overkill. With LED's thee is very little draw, so all them lights are not a reason in itself to upsize. If you had a big winch that you used a lot then maybe. Go for quality for size. Shad

 

[AABEN]

You can get a rebild kit from Geno's for 34. 99 this has new bearings also.

 

[DE Jeeper]

i did the genos kit on mine at 215k. the brushes were about done on mine. a pretty easy fix and saves you a lot of money. also when i had a question, LarryB picked up the phone on a Sat evening to clarify my issue. good customer service and a good product.



aaron

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Original on my 98 12 valve was a Denso if I spelled it right. Made in Japan so I worried about it and removed it and had it rebuilt locally by a reputable outfit. Cheap insurance would be one way to look at it. I did it at 100,000 and plan to do it again at 200,000. It is 1,050 from my home in FL to Dayton OH where I retired from. I don't know any good shops if I would need one on the way when we visit. Preventive maintenance saves money in the long run, I HOPE.

 

[CToney]

If you are putting bearings in your alternator I would check tensioner and the idler pulley. I have had to change my tensioner and did the idler as preventitive maitenance. It is easier to work on my schedule in my shop than on the side of the road. I should get my alt checked out sometime soon too.

 

[JBallou]

I wouldn't worry about a Denso alternator, for the very reason its made in Japan. Hard to beat.

However doing the PM on the alt and starter in the comfort of my shop for under $80, is almost priceless.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

JBallou. No doubt far superior to Chinese produced items. I put Larry B's stuff in my starter at 100,000 I will probably replace it at 200,000. I make a lot of short trips. I have reached the age (83) where I can no longer get up off the creeper. NOT a complaint, I am still above ground. I have a good independent shop 5 miles away. They are honest, something I never found at a Dealer. I don't off road so my old 98 12v is still in great condition. No need for a 4x4 in FL. so I have a 2 wheel. I only go North in Summer time. Nice thing about being retired nobody tells me what to do. I can sleep as late as I choose.