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Nova is eating alternators?????

1294 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  sbc1320
Any idea's or thoughts as to why im going through alternators? Belt is tight, they are re-manufactured O.E. 2 wire type, new Optimma battery etc... Going on my 3rd alternator :(
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Perhaps you're asking to much, current wise, of your alternator? If you run an alternator at or near it's max for extended periods they tend to overheat. Find someone with an inductive amp meter and check to see what you're drawing at idle with everything running, also check to make sure you have clearance around the alternator for airflow.
Maybe belt is to tight side loading the bearings?
If you're using an low $ ALT like autozone etc. you better off getting a name brand ALT. like powermaster.:2cents:
Any idea's or thoughts as to why im going through alternators? Belt is tight, they are re-manufactured O.E. 2 wire type, new Optimma battery etc... Going on my 3rd alternator :(
Electrical resistance. Your alternator may be charging at near full field because it has to overcome the electrical resistance between the alternator and the load. X2 on the cheapies.

Steve
I only buy the new alternators at Oreillys myself.
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