96 Cutlass Supreme with Alternator trouble

[chrisluna]

The alternator died on me two days ago. Yesterday I changed out the brushes because one was so short and worn out that its spring was completely extended. I was getting a great reading with a multimeter of 14.8 but now it is only 12.5 and my charging system warning light is coming back on occasionally. I'd just replace the darn thing but I'm low on cash. What could be going on with it?

[maxwedge]

Without testing all the internal components, from here there is no way to tell.

[exitRooster]

Originally Posted by chrisluna

The alternator died on me two days ago. Yesterday I changed out the brushes because one was so short and worn out that its spring was completely extended. I was getting a great reading with a multimeter of 14.8 but now it is only 12.5 and my charging system warning light is coming back on occasionally. I'd just replace the darn thing but I'm low on cash. What could be going on with it?

I understand the being low on cash part - But seemings how you've already yanked it once, detected a problem (assumedly only one problem), and fixed it, and the problem continues, time to weigh rebuilding the whole thing or replacing it. Consider a junker donor if money is tight.

[maxwedge]

Agreed.

[chrisluna]

I did end up getting a junk yard donor. So far so good with that, there's just a ton of other issues with the car but at least it is running for now.