Alternator woes

[rbsteve]

Hi everyone,

Well this is more of a general question and not really related to GPs lol...My brother-in-law's alternator died on his ford escort, and since he is strapped for cash, i suggested a rebuild kit instead of a new or rebuilt alternator. The kit i found seems quite complete, the make is Victory Lap. I was wondering if anyone has any experience rebuilding alternators or has some advice to ease the job.

Thanks

-Steve

[richtazz]

The biggest issue is what caused the failure. If it's a shorted armature or stator, the rebuild kit will do no good. If it was just the brushes wore out, then it's a fairly simple endeavor. The front and rear shaft bearings need to be checked for wear, or it won't last long once reassembled. Depending on the year of Escort, the alternator could have a built in or fender mounted voltage regulator. Make sure you replace it as well if it didn't come in the kit.

Good luck.

[98gpking]

Originally Posted by rbsteve

Hi everyone,

Well this is more of a general question and not really related to GPs lol...My brother-in-law's alternator died on his ford escort, and since he is strapped for cash, i suggested a rebuild kit instead of a new or rebuilt alternator. The kit i found seems quite complete, the make is Victory Lap. I was wondering if anyone has any experience rebuilding alternators or has some advice to ease the job.

Thanks

-Steve

it seems to me it would be easier less work and possibly in the long run less money to just buy a new one. you can go out and start replacing all kinds of parts like rich said. and you still may not have found the problem mean while if you would have just spent the extra 20 bucks for a brand new one....the car would be running. just my .02 worth

[rbsteve]

Thanks for the info richtazz. The kit does come with a new regulator, which i will change for sure. Due to the age of the car, i think it is more than likely that it is just the brushes that have worn out, but when i take it apart, if i notice a more serious problem, i will return the repair kit and buy a new one.

THe kit is only 50$, while a new alternator is 220$. It is a bit of a gamble, but my brother-in-law is cash strapped, and i don't like him enough to pay for his repairs

[98gpking]

Originally Posted by rbsteve

Thanks for the info richtazz. The kit does come with a new regulator, which i will change for sure. Due to the age of the car, i think it is more than likely that it is just the brushes that have worn out, but when i take it apart, if i notice a more serious problem, i will return the repair kit and buy a new one.

THe kit is only 50$, while a new alternator is 220$. It is a bit of a gamble, but my brother-in-law is cash strapped, and i don't like him enough to pay for his repairs

id be careful though on some parts once you install them (most electrical) they dont let you return them because its soo easy to fry out an electrical component ask the autozone guy if not a few different ones if they are 100% sure you can return it after installation. auto zone is usualy good about returns though