Alternator Question

[Scouten45]

I have a 91 GMC Sierra 305 TBI i have gone threw 6 alts in 3 years. The last one of the fin of the fan snapped and almost went threw my hood. Is there something that is causing the alt to die so quickly?

[bwood]

Where are you getting the alternators from and is your belt too tight, (too short)?

[Scouten45]

The belt is factory and the alts are just replacements from the local parts store

[mountie]

I bought an alternator from (west coast) kragens autoparts. Lifetime warranty. with so many miles on my truck, it's only natural to replace it from time to time. have not paid for one since my first replacement back in 1996. A rebuild company Cardone (out of New Jersey I think) is very much into being a good rebuilder. A few months ago, I exchanged my smog pump. There was a defect in the pully/mount threads. The company called me personally, and not only the owner was on the phone but also the production manager. They sent me a personally ordered/ personally built pump within the next week.

Find out if this rebuild company distributes from your local parts store.

They want to rebuild EVERYTHING the dealer doesn't sell new anymore.

[piecesparts]

#1 and I always go to #1---You get what you pay for.....

The replacement alternators that you are putting on---Are they lower cost rebuilts from the parts store? If so that may be the majority of your problem. Also if you are running anything that would load the alternator up more than usual---for instance a stereo setup , then that can affect your lifespan of the alternator. Your 91 should have a serpentine belt that has a belt tensioner and that problem should not lie in that area, so go for quality of alternator, then do you have a short that is dragging down the charging system, and finally what kind of area do you drive in---highway, city traffic, dirt roads, hot weather, etc...

My 91 has 315,000 miles on the truck and I am running a new alternator from Tuff Stuff to get the right amount of charging for my needs and it cost me a little more than a quality rebuilt at the local auto parts outlet, but it was worth it.

[mountie]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

#1 and I always go to #1---You get what you pay for.....

The replacement alternators that you are putting on---Are they lower cost rebuilts from the parts store? If so that may be the majority of your problem. Also if you are running anything that would load the alternator up more than usual---for instance a stereo setup , then that can affect your lifespan of the alternator. Your 91 should have a serpentine belt that has a belt tensioner and that problem should not lie in that area, so go for quality of alternator, then do you have a short that is dragging down the charging system, and finally what kind of area do you drive in---highway, city traffic, dirt roads, hot weather, etc...

My 91 has 315,000 miles on the truck and I am running a new alternator from Tuff Stuff to get the right amount of charging for my needs and it cost me a little more than a quality rebuilt at the local auto parts outlet, but it was worth it.

I agree with you about the quality.... But since my alternator can be replaced faster than sipping a cup of coffee, and they are free replacement for ever..... I'm on my 3rd..... considering my mileage... that's about right.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Yea my only question would be hows the rest of the charging system and do you have a lot of stuff pulling juice off that alternator that would cause it to have huge strain. I go through alternators a little bit faster cause of stereo components but nothing close to even that fast. Have you had a test done on you charging and electrical system yet?

[mountie]

Originally Posted by Hoods69BadBowTie

Yea my only question would be hows the rest of the charging system and do you have a lot of stuff pulling juice off that alternator that would cause it to have huge strain. I go through alternators a little bit faster cause of stereo components but nothing close to even that fast. Have you had a test done on you charging and electrical system yet?

You also has mechanical parts fail on yours also..?

I don't have optional stuff pulling amps. My audio has 2 JBL 50 watt amps. They work great for the size of the cab. ( These specific JBL's are for quality of the sound, plenty of volume for my needs. 6" dual mid-range in the doors, JBL Titainum tweeders in the dash, 8" subs behind the seat.

Nothing else in the truck is changed.

[Scouten45]

Originally Posted by mountie

You also has mechanical parts fail on yours also..?

I don't have optional stuff pulling amps. My audio has 2 JBL 50 watt amps. They work great for the size of the cab. ( These specific JBL's are for quality of the sound, plenty of volume for my needs. 6" dual mid-range in the doors, JBL Titainum tweeders in the dash, 8" subs behind the seat.

Nothing else in the truck is changed.

I run and Myers plow in the winter and i tow a trailer in the summer which would make sense and ya there just the cheap rebuilds my problem is the pulley comes loose

[mountie]

Originally Posted by Scouten45

I run and Myers plow in the winter and i tow a trailer in the summer which would make sense and ya there just the cheap rebuilds my problem is the pulley comes loose

Blue Loc Tite

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Originally Posted by mountie

Blue Loc Tite

x2 with that. Yea I got 2 12" subs and a 1200 watt amp running them they are loud but do pull some power for sure. I got a cap though which helps out a lot. No snow plow or anything else. The only other add on is lights in my roof visor.