1998 alternator question

[rnelson]

I recently was getting the "Check Charge System" warning on my 1998 Aurora. My engine diagnostic said the voltage was down around 11.8. I first changed out the battery, which was original to the car, with a new one from the dealer. It then would read around 12.4. So, it was more than the battery. I figured my alternator was bad as well. I disconnected the battery and took the old alternator out. The car then sat in my garage for 2 months while I saved up enough money for a replacement. I finally replaced it on Saturday. When I first started the engine, it read 12.2 volts and the "Check Charge System" light came on again. As soon as I gave the car a little gas, the voltage climbed to about 14.8 and stayed there. Now, each time I start the car, it does the same thing. It reads about 12.2 volts until I start driving and then it climbs to 14.7 or so and stays there. I can stop the car and put it in park to idle and the voltage stays at 14.7. It just won't climb to this number when I first start it and let it idle all day. It needs the engine to be loaded up to begin maintaining the charge. I don't think this is normal is it? I don't think the old alternator acted this way. If not, do I have anything to worry about?

[The Rebel]

Originally Posted by rnelson

I recently was getting the "Check Charge System" warning on my 1998 Aurora. My engine diagnostic said the voltage was down around 11.8. I first changed out the battery, which was original to the car, with a new one from the dealer. It then would read around 12.4. So, it was more than the battery. I figured my alternator was bad as well. I disconnected the battery and took the old alternator out. The car then sat in my garage for 2 months while I saved up enough money for a replacement. I finally replaced it on Saturday. When I first started the engine, it read 12.2 volts and the "Check Charge System" light came on again. As soon as I gave the car a little gas, the voltage climbed to about 14.8 and stayed there. Now, each time I start the car, it does the same thing. It reads about 12.2 volts until I start driving and then it climbs to 14.7 or so and stays there. I can stop the car and put it in park to idle and the voltage stays at 14.7. It just won't climb to this number when I first start it and let it idle all day. It needs the engine to be loaded up to begin maintaining the charge. I don't think this is normal is it? I don't think the old alternator acted this way. If not, do I have anything to worry about?

you know sometimes you have to "not" buy @ Kragens, Chiefs, for alternators...Find those (local) independant shops that rebuild them.
I have had to put three alternators in consecutively one after another till it was right. (not on my Aurora and these "were" the independant ones.) What I mean by "right" was that the readings were proper at idle. You want to have the lights on air on radio etc. then see what your readings are. Example: as your battery feeds energy to those required items (Radio etc.) the alternator should restore power to the battery, 11.5

[Indy8]

Yes, this is common for cheaper rebuilts. Pay more for the AC Delco/Remy rebuilt. There is a difference.

[JessieL]

What was a new alternator from oldsomobile?
price wise. Am needing a new one..considering having my own rebuilt instead..any advise as to this as a choice to prob upwards of 300.00?