Alternator giving me issues
#1
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Model: Cherokee
Alternator giving me issues
So, I was having a squeal coming from the serp belt; had an alternator and charging test done only to be told that my Alternator wasn't performing well (12volts max)
So, I went to Autozone and got a remanned alt for 100$, swapped that bad boy in, worked well for ONE DAY with no squeal and the gauge was pinned at 14volts the WHOLE TIMES, no matter the accessories.
Now, it started to squeal again, and my volt gauge was showing in between 13-14 again. It's like I keep blowing a bearing in the alt? Any thoughts? I don't want to keep messing with that, especially after buying a new battery last month- 150$
I was running full accessories: defroster, lights, wipers, and sound system (1000watt 2 -12" subs) and it seemed like it couldn't keep up...when it had no problem for years.
So, I went to Autozone and got a remanned alt for 100$, swapped that bad boy in, worked well for ONE DAY with no squeal and the gauge was pinned at 14volts the WHOLE TIMES, no matter the accessories.
Now, it started to squeal again, and my volt gauge was showing in between 13-14 again. It's like I keep blowing a bearing in the alt? Any thoughts? I don't want to keep messing with that, especially after buying a new battery last month- 150$
I was running full accessories: defroster, lights, wipers, and sound system (1000watt 2 -12" subs) and it seemed like it couldn't keep up...when it had no problem for years.
#2
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Does it sound like bearings are bad or is the serpentine belt slipping? The latter would cause a lack of charging capability. My alt usually hovers around 13.5 volts depending on speed, and the accessories I'm running.
#3
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The new alt you purchased is the same amperage as the original one?
A shop can usually test the whole system at one time by hooking it up to a small machine. That's a much better tester than a bench tester (like in a parts store). It's testing the regulator, battery, alt etc all at the same time, when the engine is running.
If nothing else, it might narrow down where the problem is. (?)
Also, 'rebuilt' usually means that the only the pre existing part that failed is replaced, the rest of the parts in the alt (or starter) are cleaned and reused.
"remanufactured" means the case was reused, but all the guts inside are new. (and the pulley ).
..
..
A shop can usually test the whole system at one time by hooking it up to a small machine. That's a much better tester than a bench tester (like in a parts store). It's testing the regulator, battery, alt etc all at the same time, when the engine is running.
If nothing else, it might narrow down where the problem is. (?)
Also, 'rebuilt' usually means that the only the pre existing part that failed is replaced, the rest of the parts in the alt (or starter) are cleaned and reused.
"remanufactured" means the case was reused, but all the guts inside are new. (and the pulley ).
..
..
Last edited by Morris4x4Center; 03-11-2015 at 10:49 AM.
#5
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Yeah, it was remanned, says Autozone.
Is it possible I'm running a tad too much on the stock 90AMP alt?
Belt is new, and pretty tight- just checked the tensioner. It doesn't matter the vehicle speed, it will bog down at 70MPH or at a stop light. For some reason it squeals though, just like the bad ALT.
I had a parts store run a quick diag, then I took the battery out and alt out and brought it to my electric company and they tested it and confirmed it was good- outside of Jeep...
I am thinking of getting my OLD ALT rebuilt to 136AMP and reinstalling that one..
Is it possible I'm running a tad too much on the stock 90AMP alt?
Belt is new, and pretty tight- just checked the tensioner. It doesn't matter the vehicle speed, it will bog down at 70MPH or at a stop light. For some reason it squeals though, just like the bad ALT.
I had a parts store run a quick diag, then I took the battery out and alt out and brought it to my electric company and they tested it and confirmed it was good- outside of Jeep...
I am thinking of getting my OLD ALT rebuilt to 136AMP and reinstalling that one..
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