Okay, I just put a rebuilt ACDelco alternator in my 88 Formula a couple of months ago and now it looks like the alternator is going again. The turn signals barely flash, the gauge is in the red under 8 and it's driving me insane. My daughters 85 GT has the same problem.....is there something else I need to be looking at....the belt is tight all the connections seem fine....

Am I the only one with this problem????

All I can suggest is to verify what the dash voltmeter says, by testing the voltage at the battery with a known good meter? If battery terminals are clean, and still have low voltage when running, I'd start suspecting the rebuilt alternator. But, being a lazy sort, if I had another car with compatible battery, I'd swap batteries temporarily, to see if that helps - mainly because it's easy to do.

...after that didn't work, I'd think about turning in the rebuilt alternator for replacement. Luckily, I've never had to replace an alternator in any of my Fieros, so that says they can be pretty reliable.

[This message has been edited by StuGood (edited 12-11-2003).]

Yeah, it definitely sounds like alt probs. (GM tech for 27 years) Are you getting cheap alternators like advance, autozone, pepboys...most of those cheap chain stores. Most of the time they expect a 70% attrition rate!!!! Why do think they have a lifetime warranty on so many of them....and think of all the labor you have to pay!

Personally, I'd buy a rebuilt GM or AC DELCO unit (not from the dealer) or the premium NAPA brand only because I used to own a NAPA store and know the premium brands attrition rate is low. Good luck to you and your daughter.

Phil

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87 FIERO GT 2.8 5spd

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I would go to autozone and let them test the alternator and battery. I know what a lot of people say about Autozone but they have always been nice to me.
Don

GtDude......

We did replace the alternator with an AC Delco one. I had the same problem in my daughters 85 Gt last year so we went with the good stuff this time......her cheap one lasted about a year. This Delco one only lasted about 2 months tops...Is there anything in the charging system that can be burning out the alternator? It just seems rather odd that both cars are doing the same thing. We also replaced the battery when we replaced the alternator.

I just don't know what to do......I'll probably get it tested and then replace the darn thing again.....maybe I should get 2, hehehe, just trying to keep a sense of humor here.....at least it's easier to replace the alternator on the 88 than it is on the 85.......but it's still a pain!

Thanks everyone who replied!

What keeps blowing out on them?

Front bearings getting abused?
Voltage regulators burning up?

What is failing on them?
Is the correct pulley installed on the replacements?
Is the belt track straight and square?

I can go on . . .

Personally I'd take it to someone who specializes in elec or alt/starter probs and let them check the amp output and grounds.

GM had problems with their rebuilts for a short time...now they're much better than the original due to some internal changes. Could be you just got bad alts. Good for you for replacing the battery too!

Phil

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87 FIERO GT 2.8 5spd

If you found my advice helpful, please take the time to give me a positive rating. Thanks

Even though rebuilding an alternator isn't that hard, nobody seems to be able to do it well. Reman alternators univerally make good paperweights. Be prepared to go through about three before you get one that works.

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'87 Fiero GT: Northstar, Getrag, TGP wheels, rear sway bar, rod end links, bushings, etc.
'90 Pontiac 6000 SE AWD: Leaking ABS unit fixed, load levelling rear suspension fixed, still slow