Alternator or what? need help going crazy.
 

Ok my old alternator was flickering (brushes gone) and bearings were gone so I went out and bought a remanufacture one from AutoZone. Alternator looked different from my old stock 55amp alt. but the guy said it was the same. Well didn't fit right it was tigher then the old one but I got it in, for some reason it was not charging the battery so I got the Battery checked, it's fine, check wires seem fine. So I took back the alt. they said it was the wrong one :mad: Ok so I get another one, this one looks totally different from the old stock but I try it anyways, same thing.

Took it to my friends dad's car shop, he checked the battery with car off 12v, then with car on it was just barely 13v. Then I went to a place across the street that builds alt. he hooked up his machine. He checked ground, good, checked Volts about 12.39, and Amps which were only 10 amps, which he said that was just not enough period.

I'm not sure but It sound like the alternator again, all these alt. were remanufactured, which I'm thinking of buying a new one from Advance by Bosch 65amp. Could it be that 55amps is not enough, I just have a CD Player not a system or nothing, I'm just so confused and trying to get it fixed while working at BestBuy. If you could help that would be cool, because I plan on trying to get this solved after I get off work at 2:45p so my time is some what limited. :confused:

I seriously doubt that going from 55 to 65 amps will make much difference. You should be reading above 13.? volts at the battery with the alternator operating. I'm guessing that you've got a couple of bad alternators. The auto parts store should be able to bench test these alternators to see if they are functional. I have a great deal of distrust in chain store auto parts employees abilities to sell me the correct part. Make sure it is the same as the one that came off and have them bench test it before you leave the store so you are sure it is functional.

they bench tested the first one when I had to bring it back, and it was putting out 13vs not 13.8, 13 and I said shouldn't it be about 13.8-14+ and they said no it should still charge, then I figured out I know more then they did (I know some about charging systems but not all) that why I'm going to try Advance. I would try to rebuild my old one but I don't have time to wait.

You've got to watch those "remanufactured" alternators from places like that. I've heard that they are sent to Mexico or (insert any country with low wages) and taken apart and put back together with used parts from other alternators until they get one to work..... same thing with starters. I've had that experience with a starter before.... it's not fun. You're probably right that you would be best off rebuilding your own.

Steve,
I don't know how big a town Newark is, but many cities have shops which specialize in rebuilding alternators and starters. They do a good business for trucks, buses, large stuff, as well as car alternators.

You are correct that you should be looking for 13.8volts at fast idle.

FWIW, Bosch alternators are easy to rebuild yourself, you just need another alternator or two to donate the appropriate parts from. Everything comes apart easily, and the brushes are a cinch to change.

In parts language, a re-man is preferable to a re-built.
A re-built is a cobbled up alternator which is what you can do yourself.
A re-man is one which has new bearings, brushes, etc.

That is the way I understand it.

I knew I was not going crazy the guys at AutoZone made me feel that way though. Just went to Advance and got the same alternator that was on my car before, there was no difference at all. Then I told them to test it, and it was putting out 14v. So I put it in, fits just like the old one did, took a drive and tried it with everything on in the car, for about 30mins and lights are as bright as can be. And starts like it's new. So it looks like everything is working out, I'm going back to AutoZone and give them a piece of my mind, they almost did not give me my refund. Well thanks guys your all a big help to people who need help. :p

When it comes time for me to get a new alternator (knocks on wood) I will step it up to one of those 80 amp or so alternators that the parts shops sell. My headlights dim when I have the blower motor on high. 55A alternator is so small.

I wouldn't buy parts for a benz at auto zone. You would do better with one form fast lane or parts shop. These disount auto part stores make a fortune selling junk. Pep Boys is the lesser of two evils. Some of their stuff is brand name quality but I find Auto Zone to be best at selling scrap metal!