Bad Alternator

[AeroNautical]

I'm trying to diagnose a problem I've been having with my electrical, and I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to the alternator. Just had the battery checked and the cells are good. I'll list the issues, and maybe you guys can confirm it's the alt:

 

My volt meter reads low at idle, around 11 or 12

At higher rpm, it reads just under 14.

If my headlights are on and I hit the brakes, they dim

If I have a turn signal on at idle, the volt meter fluctuates. 

If the battery is disconnected, the engine dies

 

I think that's enough to go on to diagnose it. I also have a question about the alternator I should pick up. There are quite a few options ranging from 60 to over 100 amps. I've got external lights and a few high demand accessories, but don't have an A/C or any of that fancy stuff. Would it be a wise investment to grab a higher amp alt? Any brands better than others? I've heard alot of times alts are doa, I'd like to avoid that as much as possible, especially if I'm ordering online. Help is appreciated, as always. 

[azdiesel]

Check out Delco aftermarket new alternators. I was offered one for my comanche for $89.00 outright. There is a model with single wire output and they exciting. I was told they also have roller bearings, not ball bearings. They have several different configurations and up to 200amps. Perhaps you can find one that works for you.

[yxmj]

If the battery is disconnected, the engine dies

 

That one line gives you your answer.....once started your engine should run without the battery being connected.....

 

IMHO....stick with Jeep parts....Try finding a 1997 V8 one......There were some rated at 136 amps

 

 

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/97-98-136-amp-alternator-swap-1226669/

[HOrnbrod]

If the battery is disconnected, the engine dies

 

That one line gives you your answer.....once started your engine should run without the battery being connected.....

 

IMHO....stick with Jeep parts....Try finding a 1997 V8 one......There were some rated at 136 amps

 

 

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/97-98-136-amp-alternator-swap-1226669/

 

Hard to do in a Renix..........

[yxmj]

 

If the battery is disconnected, the engine dies

 

That one line gives you your answer.....once started your engine should run without the battery being connected.....

 

IMHO....stick with Jeep parts....Try finding a 1997 V8 one......There were some rated at 136 amps

 

 

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/97-98-136-amp-alternator-swap-1226669/

 

Hard to do in a Renix..........

 

Nothing is impossible.....if you want it bad enough  :thumbsup:

 

http://greatlakesxj.activeboard.com/t38048063/renix-xj-with-v8-zj-136amp-alternator/

[HOrnbrod]

Who said anything about impossible? You need new HO brackets, belt, regulator, and ND alternator.

 

Cheaper and easier to bolt on a built-up Delco.

[comanchedude]

just get the 100 amp factory unit. it will power all the stuff you need...and its a drop in

 

 

rock auto has them right now for $ 40.00

 

ACDELCO Part # 321352    {#10463035, 19135907} Reman; 100 Amps  
DELCO SERIES CS130; w/A/C [Wholesaler Closeout -

[TCAdkins]

My alternator just went out a couple of weeks ago. My symptoms were:

 

- Battery died while wheelin, jumped it and truck would die 2 minutes after it had been jumped and charged a little.

- No turn-signals at all

- Radio started sounding like $#!&. (It's a brand new stereo and sounds pretty good. All of a sudden it sounded like 4 cheap ipod speakers were in my truck.)

 

We go wheelin behind walmart so I parked it in the walmart parking lot and grabbed an alternator the next day. Couldn't get the skid plate off, so I got towed to a buddy's house and we replaced it there, took about an hour.

 

Truck runs great now, turn signals work, and radio sounds good again.

 

 

As far as amps go, I bought a 60 and I'm planning on running 4 KC's. The stock was some disgraceful number like 44 I believe. So I think just the extra 16 amps should help a bit.