HO alternators??

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Jul 17, 2006 | 10:48 AM

#41

Epic Ed

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 657

Likes: 1

From: Phoenix, AZ

I recently ended up going with the 150amp from Mr. Alternator. I just installed it a couple of weeks ago and it bolted up perfectly with no hassles or unexpected surprises. It works great for the accessories I'm running, but obviously, I have no idea how reliable it will be in the long run. In fact, the Epic Mobile is having engine problems that is going to prevent me from driving much in the next few months.

I can say I was satisfied with their customer service and turn-around time for getting the alternator to my door -- about a week from the date I called to order.

Ed

Jul 17, 2006 | 11:02 AM

#42

Churnd

Registered User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 4,087

Likes: 1

From: Hattiesburg, MS

I went through this whole ordeal a while back... do a search for "alternator" and my username.

Here's one thread for example:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ght=alternator

What I've learned from the whole ordeal:

Smaller re-wound alternators (i.e. NipponDensos) aren't ideal for slow-moving vehicles (off-road).
Big alternators (i.e. GM), re-wound or not, ARE ideal for slow moving vehicles (off-road).
Pay more attention to what the Alt. puts out at idle. If that number makes you happy, get it.

There is an article at 4x4wire about fitting your truck with a GM alt... it's not hard at all if you really pay attention to the details.

Last edited by Churnd; Jul 17, 2006 at 11:07 AM.

Jul 19, 2006 | 12:30 PM

#43

vegaskurt

Registered User

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 410

Likes: 0

From: Reno, NV

I thought there was a 150amp GM alt that bolts into our trucks. All you have to do is switch the wire clip.

Also, from other threads I have read. The v6 toyota highlander (camry on crack) has a 135amp alternator that is a direct bolt in.

Call a salvadge yard, should be able to find one for sub $100.

Jul 21, 2006 | 11:10 AM

#44

midiwall

Registered User

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 9,048

Likes: 2

From: Seattleish, WA

A member wrote me offline to ask about Mr. Alternator. I'm comfortable sharing my experiences in public as well:

Quote:

Originally Posted by midiwall

Wow man, this is a huge can of worms.

If you wander the forum, you'll hear from people who never got their Mr. Alt working right. I'm in the camp that I think it was fine for a while, but I never really felt that it matched the supposed rating (130amps if I remember right).

About 12 months ago (timeframe corrected from my PM), I started having issues where my Optima Red Top just didn't seem to hold a charge. I tended to sluff it off, ignored it for a while, and then it finally really started to bug me.

I started testing.. the battery was (is) fine - the alternator just wasn't kicking out enough to power the truck and put a _good_ charge on the battery. I could hit it with a 20amp battery charger for 30 minutes and get more of a charge than the alternator would dump after a full day.

So... I don't know that the alternator ever REALLY performed as promised. It's acceptible, but it's NOT what I paid for.

Bottom line, in hindsight, people have gotten good parts from Mr. Alt. People have gotten bad parts, and people have gotten marginal parts.

I can't recommend him with a good conscience.

Mark