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Hi Arch... and all.
With 20/20 hindsight now firmly in place I offer these observations:
Way back in novice period I lost a couple of the stock size alternators so I
switched to the 140 amps when I was at Buskirks (when it was still the
original Buskirk) as I was told the stocks were too small.
It lasted a long time but evetually it seemed I was replacing them about
every 2 years and recently more frequently. Probably a combination of age
and poor quality rebuilds (Delco shops).
I definately abuse my electrical system since I don't like running the
GenSet ( even when it's working ) unless needed for A/C. I really
'deep-cycle' my batteries.
In the past I've just changed them out and was happy that it wasn't more
than the Alternator but since I built my garage I'm getting a little more
inquisitive.
My last 2 failures occured when I left the headlights on while going into
Walmart ( or equivilant ), which of course drained the batteries some extra
and the Alternator was happily trying to replentish, as in outputting lots,
as soon as I started the engine.
Both times it burned the stud/post assembly that feeds the positive. My
consensus or interpretation for my own needs is that 140 amps out is heating
the components to disintegration. Components have probably gotten cheaper
not $'s... the other cheaper ).
The other side of the coin is that I now know I don't need 140 amps.
(Actually I was after the 90 amps at idle the 140's produce). At my next
failure I'm going back to stock 100 amp and I think that by itself may make
them more reliable.
FWIW: An alternator failure has never seen me stranded, even without a
spare. If it's daylight you can go a long ways, or at least far enough
(usually) to get to a parts store and/or rest area/campground. You can go
forever if your GenSet 12V is tied in ( and GenSet running ). It's not as
many volts as the engine driven alternator puts out but enough to run
everything including headlights.
Cheers
Heinz
>
>I loved your post. Lots of good info and fun to read. Would like to hear
>your thoughts on alternator failures.
>
>Take Care
>Arch 76 GB IL
>
>In a message dated 2/9/99 1:28:10 PM Central Standard Time,
>
>>
>> I've had shocks break, master cylinder fail, numerous alternator
failures,
>1
>> blowout, several GenSet repairs water pump failure in the middle of CA
west
>> of Bakersfield, i.e. in the middle of nowhere. Have done Front Bearings
3
>> times, the last being at a truck shop in Quebec City while on a cross
>Canada
>> jaunt. Next one will be done 'in house'.
>>
>> Am I selling...? No way. Would I take it anywher...? You bet. I do avoid
>> snow and cold these days, though. That's a personal choice, not the
GMC's.
>>
>
>
Hi Arch... and all.
With 20/20 hindsight now firmly in place I offer these observations:
Way back in novice period I lost a couple of the stock size alternators so I
switched to the 140 amps when I was at Buskirks (when it was still the
original Buskirk) as I was told the stocks were too small.
It lasted a long time but evetually it seemed I was replacing them about
every 2 years and recently more frequently. Probably a combination of age
and poor quality rebuilds (Delco shops).
I definately abuse my electrical system since I don't like running the
GenSet ( even when it's working ) unless needed for A/C. I really
'deep-cycle' my batteries.
In the past I've just changed them out and was happy that it wasn't more
than the Alternator but since I built my garage I'm getting a little more
inquisitive.
My last 2 failures occured when I left the headlights on while going into
Walmart ( or equivilant ), which of course drained the batteries some extra
and the Alternator was happily trying to replentish, as in outputting lots,
as soon as I started the engine.
Both times it burned the stud/post assembly that feeds the positive. My
consensus or interpretation for my own needs is that 140 amps out is heating
the components to disintegration. Components have probably gotten cheaper
not $'s... the other cheaper ).
The other side of the coin is that I now know I don't need 140 amps.
(Actually I was after the 90 amps at idle the 140's produce). At my next
failure I'm going back to stock 100 amp and I think that by itself may make
them more reliable.
FWIW: An alternator failure has never seen me stranded, even without a
spare. If it's daylight you can go a long ways, or at least far enough
(usually) to get to a parts store and/or rest area/campground. You can go
forever if your GenSet 12V is tied in ( and GenSet running ). It's not as
many volts as the engine driven alternator puts out but enough to run
everything including headlights.
Cheers
Heinz
>
>I loved your post. Lots of good info and fun to read. Would like to hear
>your thoughts on alternator failures.
>
>Take Care
>Arch 76 GB IL
>
>In a message dated 2/9/99 1:28:10 PM Central Standard Time,
>
>>
>> I've had shocks break, master cylinder fail, numerous alternator
failures,
>1
>> blowout, several GenSet repairs water pump failure in the middle of CA
west
>> of Bakersfield, i.e. in the middle of nowhere. Have done Front Bearings
3
>> times, the last being at a truck shop in Quebec City while on a cross
>Canada
>> jaunt. Next one will be done 'in house'.
>>
>> Am I selling...? No way. Would I take it anywher...? You bet. I do avoid
>> snow and cold these days, though. That's a personal choice, not the
GMC's.
>>
>
>
