BBB Industries Quality??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RustyPile · Yesterday, 07:35 PM

I'm not looking for "how do I check this" replies. I have a quality issue with BBB Industries reman alternators. I added dual electric fans to the cooling system on my truck, along with a couple very low current devices. I upgraded the main power distribution wire and put in an 8 gauge wire for the alternator output, along with adding wiring for an internal regulator system. The fans are on relays and that wiring is totally independent from the factory wiring.

The auto supply I patronize mostly carries BBB Industries reman starters and alternators. They carry a 12 month warranty. 5 years ago I installed one of their rebuilt starters on my mild 454 BBC and haven't had any problems with it.

I did the electrical upgrades back in December 2023 and installed one of their 94-amp 12SI alternators. I don't drive the truck very much, only about 1500 miles annually. A couple weeks ago, after about 400 miles, the alternator totally failed. It was replaced under warranty.
after the replacement, the first time I drove the truck after dark, when coming to a stop, the headlights would dim. Rev the engine up to about 1500 RPM, and the light came back to full brightness. I made it home OK, but the next day when I checked it, the alternator doesn't charge at idle.. The test sheet that came with it says it will charge 60 amps at idle. It actually operates like a one wire alternator. but it's not spec'd as such and neither is the wiring.

Like I said, I'm not looking for any "how to" replies. I'm looking for (I guess you could call it) reviews of the BBB Industries products.. People who have had experiences, good or bad, with that brand.

Also, I'd like recommendations for another brand, as I intend to ask for credit toward the purchase of another brand.

**Palf70Step** · Today, 07:22 AM

I have never used them, so can't help there. I have sen that a lot, the dimming thing, on lots of alternators and gens that need to be above 1,000-1500 to keep charge on heavy load. Thats why I have the headlight relays to help with that.

weq92f · Today, 12:40 PM

.

No experience with BBB. I'm running a Tuff Stuff 140A, one wire alt. When it failed I had a local shop rebuild it. It did last a good while before failure though. Man at the shop told me the regulator died.

-Kevin

1slo64 · Today, 01:02 PM

Most alternators don't charge at idle from my understanding.

Yesterday, 07:35 PM	#1
RustyPile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Elkhart, Texas Posts: 1,665	BBB Industries Quality??? I'm not looking for "how do I check this" replies. I have a quality issue with BBB Industries reman alternators. I added dual electric fans to the cooling system on my truck, along with a couple very low current devices. I upgraded the main power distribution wire and put in an 8 gauge wire for the alternator output, along with adding wiring for an internal regulator system. The fans are on relays and that wiring is totally independent from the factory wiring. The auto supply I patronize mostly carries BBB Industries reman starters and alternators. They carry a 12 month warranty. 5 years ago I installed one of their rebuilt starters on my mild 454 BBC and haven't had any problems with it. I did the electrical upgrades back in December 2023 and installed one of their 94-amp 12SI alternators. I don't drive the truck very much, only about 1500 miles annually. A couple weeks ago, after about 400 miles, the alternator totally failed. It was replaced under warranty. after the replacement, the first time I drove the truck after dark, when coming to a stop, the headlights would dim. Rev the engine up to about 1500 RPM, and the light came back to full brightness. I made it home OK, but the next day when I checked it, the alternator doesn't charge at idle.. The test sheet that came with it says it will charge 60 amps at idle. It actually operates like a one wire alternator. but it's not spec'd as such and neither is the wiring. Like I said, I'm not looking for any "how to" replies. I'm looking for (I guess you could call it) reviews of the BBB Industries products.. People who have had experiences, good or bad, with that brand. Also, I'd like recommendations for another brand, as I intend to ask for credit toward the purchase of another brand.

Today, 07:22 AM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,819	Re: BBB Industries Quality??? I have never used them, so can't help there. I have sen that a lot, the dimming thing, on lots of alternators and gens that need to be above 1,000-1500 to keep charge on heavy load. Thats why I have the headlight relays to help with that. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

Today, 12:40 PM	#3
weq92f Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 3,061	Re: BBB Industries Quality??? . No experience with BBB. I'm running a Tuff Stuff 140A, one wire alt. When it failed I had a local shop rebuild it. It did last a good while before failure though. Man at the shop told me the regulator died. -Kevin Attached Images __________________ 67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold

Today, 01:02 PM	#4
1slo64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 311	Re: BBB Industries Quality??? Most alternators don't charge at idle from my understanding. __________________ 1964 GMC Fleetside SWB 1966 Mustang Coupe 2013 Tahoe LT



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