alternators

[redman3]

whats the differance between a regular GM alternator and the alternator on my mercursier? Its a 1987 3.0 . Thanks

 

[bomar76]

Re: alternators

Assuming you have a Delco style alt-<br />Spark arrestors!!!!<br />DO NOT USE AN AUTOMOTIVE ALT (or starter) ON A BOAT!!!!<br />no spark arresters can (and will) blow up your boat.<br />Not a happy experience.<br />If you need a new alt, you might want to consider pitching that old Mando that you probably have and going to a marine higher output 1 wire. You can order those at NAPA or even from the morons at Autozone, etc.<br />$100 or so.<br />Did that on our old Baja, big improvement in charging and was cheaper than messing with the Mando.

 

[redman3]

Re: alternators

thanks for the input

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: alternators

morons at Autozone

Boy you have that one right! No wonder all the shops buy elsewhere....

 

[bomar76]

Re: alternators

I buy some stuff at Autozone, but only because my wife gets a big discount for being a firefighter/EMT.<br />It's incredible how dense the help is there....

 

[magster65]

Re: alternators

We don't have those stores where I am. What's with them? Do they just hire for minimum wage (get what ya' pay for)? I'm wondering 'cause I've heard this a few times now.

 

[magster65]

Re: alternators

By the way, alternaters are rebuildable and I recommend it. You know it's the right one for your application... same wiring/amperage/pulley size etc.

 

[bomar76]

Re: alternators

When I looked at the condition of my old Mando, by the time I bought a new external regulator, replaced the bearings, brushes, etc, and my time (which is pretty valuable to me) I was way ahead to go with a new (actually a rebuilt) Delco style 1 wire. All of 15 minutes to change, and I knew I had a good (bench tested @ store) unit straight away. I paid $76 for the unit - no core. Donated my old core to someone who thought I really gave them something.<br /><br />As for Autozone, I have no idea what their hiring criteria may be, but I can tell you it isn't too tough. The only specialty retail store I can think of that hires dimmer bulbs is Radio Shack (You've got questions? We've got blank stares)

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: alternators

ROFLMAO - we got blank stares! That was great