Killed me alternator

[ice745]

My alternator can't keep 14.5 volts anymore. It goes between 12.9 and 14.6 depending on what's on (headlights, high beams, wipers) It'll stay at a constant voltage without swinging, but that voltage always changes. I.E. it'll settle at 13.3 for a while. This is with the stereo completely off.

I'm going to replace the regulator, rectifier and brushes. Only 77k miles. I'm pretty sure my stereo had a good part in it.

I was wondering what is involved in buying a high output alternator, like Stinger or w/e. Do they come in OE fit sizes? How much modification is needed?

Thanks

[sickcallawayc12]

Generally, they don't need too much modification if at all, pretty much bolt on, but really depends on the vehicle though.

[ice745]

Thank you! Where can I go to get prices, and know which one is for my vehicle? How much do they go for in general, or does it vary a lot by car?

[pimprolla112]

Mean-green.com
knuconcepts.com

or just type ho alternator on google.

I think your just drawing alot of current. AS you turn more stuff on your voltage will drop so that is normal. If i run AC, stereo, lights, wipers, and my electric fan i can run down to 12.9v. But i rarely run that much crap at once.

[ice745]

This alternator used to be very stable, 14.5 volts no matter what (with the exception of my stereo). Now it's 13.3 with just engine running, 14.6 with headlights on, 13.7 with high beams on, 12.9 to 14.6 with the wipers on. (The wipers now cause it to have similar fluctuation that my stereo does)
Something is definitely wrong.

And thanks for the links

[sickcallawayc12]

I don't think anything is wrong either. However, the only thing an upgraded alternator hurts is your wallet (they will cost more than your stock one).

[ice745]

Before the alternator's voltage was unstable I had to charge my wet-cell battery ever week. Now I have Optima Yellowtop I have to charge every month. And I don't drive that often. That was when the alternator actually stayed at 14.5. Now that it runs at 13.3 I'll probably have to charge more often, or rebuild/replace the alternator.

[PlayStation3]

is your car a import or a dometic cause most domestic need no modifaction besides wiring where imports it is more of a pain.

[ice745]

Toy Camry. It's a tiny denso type. H-O Alternators has a 170 amp OE fit for like $649, that's a lil bit out of me budget. Some E-Bay stores have rebuilt alternators they say are 160 amp for $140. I'm probably gonna try that, can't make me worse off.

[PaulD]

Ohio Generator
Excessive amperage
Iraggi

try these too