Alternator is done, best option??

[SHODOGG]

Hey guys, well, my alternator on my MTX is pretty much on its way out as my voltmeter has been reading no more than about 12.5 volts at any given time for about the past month. When I first put the voltmeter in it would always be at 14 volts unless I had like everything on at once. Just tonight, when I went to start up my car it was dead cause when I shut it off, I think the voltmeter was only at about 10.5 volts and I left my radar detector on by accident. Anyways, I had an alternator go out on my ATX this summer TWICE and so I dont want to buy another Bosch from Murrays auto parts like I did for that. What is my best bet for a decent alternator that won't leave me stranded again for at least a few years?? Anyone ever buy a Duralast from Autozone?? I know Napa sucks cause Ive gone through about 7 of their starters in the past year and a half between the 2 of my SHO's. I heard that there are places that will rebuild your old alternator and do a good job, but I wouldn't know what kind of place to look for in that respect. Any input?

 

[TYSHO]

I always had good luck with O'Reilly's.

 

[Yamaha V6]

I recently bought one for the 95 ATX. Ford new cost me $250 with my discount (list ~$500). Local reman'd were ~$180-$220.

 

[SHO#7]

If you can afford for the car to be down for a day extra, and you know of a local rebuild shop. That is where I have always had my best luck. We have an older man in the area that has had a shop for years. He does excellent work. That is the type of place I recommend. If you can find one. There are becoming rare.

Mike

 

[oh_SHO]

I have duralast alt. in my 95 MTX and it seems to work well. The previous owner put it in right before I got the car. That was 3 years ago...

 

[nefordfan]

check with a place that rewinds motors. They should be able to help you out.

 

[ManySHOs]

Are you sure that it's not the battery?

Ian

 

[DHMag]

either have it rebuilt at a shop, or buy the parts and do it yourself.

 

[Jervis]

I just replaced mine $200.00 at autozone, duralast brand reman with lifetime waranty. The one that I replaced was a ford reman that lasted aprox 50k and about 4 years.

 

[Electricat]

I always had good luck with O'Reilly's.

Me too, until I bought one of their alts for my ****** a couple months ago....it lasted a total of 6 days before it pooped. The replacement they gave me is working fine so far. I still buy most of my stuff there tho, better service and parts than anywhere else in town.

Personally, I would try to either find a used OE alternator, or have yours locally rebuilt. These options are what I have had the best luck with on various starters and alternators..