Alternator exchange?

[Lamarth]

I've noticed that my (original) alternator's voltage regulator seems to be going out- on a full load (lights and accessories on), if the engine speed drops to around a hi-idle (~1000rpm) suddenly the lights will dim momentarily and the gauge will drop from a little over 14V to around 13V. It quickly corrects itself after a second or two.

So actually I got 2 questions here:

1) does this sound like the regulator's going out? It charges just fine, it's just this one little annoyance that's going on, and it's not even consistent- just does it once in a while...

2) The car, being a daily driver- I'd rather swap out the alternator myself rather than let someone else do it. Coupled with the fact that decent name-brand alternators (Beck-Arnley, AC Delco) cost upwards of $200 from the auto store I'm thinking of pulling mine and taking it in to a alternator/starter shop to have it rebuilt. Menawhile if I can find a working alternator in a junk yard to run in it's place (or take that in to have rebuilt instead) that'd be great. But what GM car(s) used the same alternator setup I have, in case I can't find a similar year Firebird/Camaro donor? This is on a 2001 Firebird V6.

Thanks, all!
David

[pace2006]

Re: Alternator exchange?

Some of the parts stores used to have an alternator service kit you could buy. Probably not as many today, but it might be worth looking into. Some of the quotes I got for repairing my alternator were around the cost of a reman with a good warranty. Maybe those around you will be more reasonable.

As for the actual replacement, removing and installing a new one is literally a five minute job. Just don't forget to plug the charge cable to your battery back in.

[Lamarth]

Re: Alternator exchange?

Some of the parts stores used to have an alternator service kit you could buy. Probably not as many today, but it might be worth looking into. Some of the quotes I got for repairing my alternator were around the cost of a reman with a good warranty. Maybe those around you will be more reasonable.

As for the actual replacement, removing and installing a new one is literally a five minute job. Just don't forget to plug the charge cable to your battery back in.

Didn't think of looking around for a rebuild kit. I tried to find a replacment regulator but no such luck- but then again I didn't look too hard.

Also that's a good point- I need to first get an estimate on a rebuild locally. I found a place near work, I need to call them first and get a quote. But you might be right- it just might run me upwards of $200 to have the original rebuilt. The only positive side of having it done locally is that at least I know it wasn't done 'offshore' :eek: