Alternator help

8gitmusik1

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For the 3g thing, you just need to see if you have an external voltage regulator. On the vans it is located in front of the passenger side battery just above the headlight.


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Thanks for the info, Jayro 88.

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The_Josh_Bear

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The 3g alt with the 1g pulley is the ticket. Make sure you put some sort of shim behind the pulley so the belt runs good and straight. Once I swapped mine and snugged the belt up it rarely makes anymore than a couple squeaks when it first starts and that’s usually only when the batteries a bit flat from setting.
+1 for the 3g alt and 1g pulley!
I have that setup and I've literally never had it squeal. Something squeals when I hit monster puddles at 40+mph but thats it. :D
 

laserjock

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One other thing to consider if you aren’t running the short alt belt it might help too. I think you get more contact on both pulleys with it.
 

jayro88

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One other thing to consider if you aren’t running the short alt belt it might help too. I think you get more contact on both pulleys with it.

I am running the stock length belt. Is there a certain shorter one that works well? Does it cause any issues with the stock vacuum pump belt?


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BrianX128

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One other thing to consider if you aren’t running the short alt belt it might help too. I think you get more contact on both pulleys with it.

I think you just fixed my squealing belt. Not because of this belt- I have it, but that means the only thing driving my alternator is my water pump, and my other two belts from the crank to water pump [and ps pump / ac compressor] aren't as tight as they need to be and so my water pump is screeching when the alternator needs extra draw..

It all makes sense now..
 

laserjock

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Short belt PN

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No issues. Just goes from WP to Alt. No crank pulley.
 

YJMike92

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So another question. I have had to replace my alternator multiple times. I have recently upgraded my batteries to 2x1100CCA group 31s. Mine is also a van with rear AC and judging from my volt meter the rear blower uses a lot. This would the bigger batteries and extra load from the blower cause my alternator to go out sooner due to the extra demand?

I am planning on a 3g alternator swap this spring when it warms up, but I am curious.

Thanks.


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Where are you getting your alternators from? If they come from O'reillys or Autozone I'd say they are good for a year or so. It's best to pay extra for a Motorcraft.
 

jayro88

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Where are you getting your alternators from? If they come from O'reillys or Autozone I'd say they are good for a year or so. It's best to pay extra for a Motorcraft.

Yes, they are from Autozone....so the quality can be questionable.

They do offer a new, not rebuilt, g3 option.


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laserjock

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One further caveat. I’m not running a vacuum pump but many folks have run it with the vacuum pump in place. Vacuum pump is almost no load.
 

YJMike92

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Yes, they are from Autozone....so the quality can be questionable.

They do offer a new, not rebuilt, g3 option.



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The new stuff is a little better. Not much. I would still do a reman Motorcraft before a new one from the zone.
Just my 2 cents worth.
 

8gitmusik1

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The new stuff is a little better. Not much. I would still do a reman Motorcraft before a new one from the zone.
Just my 2 cents worth.
What about DB Electrical?

Guys, Input appreciated...

Im probably behind the times on these guys and I'm sure there is someone out there that doesn't like this company but, its seems that after doing my personal search, for alternators and starters and seeing the prices and CORE CHARGES, from OReilly's and A-Z and Advance, etc. (They wanted $101.00 CORE deposit on mine) and $279 for an OEM Mitsu-b-shee STARTER at A-Zone (an OEM Arrowhead replacement) and $199 PLUS the core chargefor a rebuilt A-Zone starter, for my 94 diesel van.

At DBE they offer NEW not rebuilt parts, I LIKE that option better than rebuilt old parts, windings, the housings, etc. and, the price is right to me at least, for both their NEW alternators and their NEW, not rebuilt, starters.

And from what I've also read on their website I saw...NO CORE CHARGE, period (that was a WOW! fro me at least) And, FREE SHIPPING too.

Also, a big deal to me is that if I don't have to give up my OEM starter or OEM alternator to DB Electrical, I can have it rebuilt LOCALLY as a backup and have it on the shelf, for use in a pinch.

Seems like a no brainer to me as compared to the BIGBOX auto parts stores but, I could be wrong...what do some of ya'll think about DBE?

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YJMike92

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I never heard of them before. I just checked the website out. I might be willing to try something from them just to get an idea if it's any good.
I would try it on one of my own rigs, not a customer's. I have been rebuilding alternators and starters a little more then I used to so not parting with a core would be a plus. My guess would be there about the same quality as the parts store.
For anyone doing there own rebuilding, this is who I use for parts
They haven't let me down yet. If they do I'll be looking for something else.
 
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8gitmusik1

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I never heard of them before. I just checked the website out. I might be willing to try something from them just to get an idea if it's any good.
I would try it on one of my own rigs, not a customer's. I have been rebuilding alternators and starters a little more then I used to so not parting with a core would be a plus. My guess would be there about the same quality as the parts store.
YJMike92,

Yep. 10/4. My thoughts exactly. Never heard of them. Thought I'd share them and their name and info and see who "pops' out of the woodwork to be a "naysayer".

Theres one in every crowd and many times they keep me from making a mistake, usually a costly one. Thank goodness for the "naysayers". My WALLET thanks them all.

Anyway, as for DBE, I found them on the net during research on updating my file on options for my replacement eventuality of own starter/alternator.

Like any mechanical part, its not a matter of IF it will fail, its a matter of WHEN.

For me, its usually at the "MOST inconvienent time".

YJMike92, Do us all a favor. Keep us ALL updated if ya use (sounds like your a Diesel Mechanic?) them so we ALL can save some money and still get some manufacturer direct parts at wholesale or, if they S*ck Eggs, let us know too. I'll post my findings over time as well.

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IDIBRONCO

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DB Electrical may not be the highest quality, but their products seem to be pretty good. Several people recommend then and Power Master for starters. My self, I've bought a handful of three wheeler starters from them and the only time I had an issue with them was when I didn't realize that I had ordered for the wrong year. That's all the experience that I have with them, but i wouldn't hesitate to buy an IDI product from them.
 
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