I'm leaving to go to Panama City Beach at 3:00am in the morning. So today I was washing the car, checking all the fluids, and air pressure. Well I took the car for a drive and that's when I realized my alternator wasn't putting out but 13V of power(by the gauge). I went to Advance Auto and had it checked, it was putting out 13.8V there.

So I figured I would buy an alternator and try to get it on tonight, but guess what they don't carry them in stock. The lady was nice enough and called an Advance Auto in Panama City and they don't carry them either but they said they could get one there by Monday.

I'm hoping it will be OK until I get back but I'm not going prepared. I've never changed an alternator so this will be interesting. Anyway doe anyone have a write up on how and maybe some pics (I've done some work but not a lot). Also the main thing I need is a list of tools needed. As you might know these cars don't give very much luggage room, so I don't want to carry more than I have too.

Thanks for all you help.

 

You need a socket set and a phillips screwdriver. It's really simple. You unbolt the alternator, unplug the wiring harness, unscrew the other wire, remove, and replace. Not a hard job at all. Just make sure you disconnect the battery first.

 

Thanks

I didn't think it looked too hard I just didn't want to get in the middle of then have to try and find a ride to a parts store.

 

Where is the tension pulley that I will need to loosen the belt? And what size socket does it use?

Thanks

 

Whoops! Sorry, I forgot that. The tensioner is on the bottom front of the engine, under the crank pulley. REAL freaking great spot for access if you ask me. It uses a 13mm socket if I remember right. Just use a standars 3/8 drive socket and I believe it's clockwise to release tension. If you haven't done it before be cautious, and don't just let go because the socket will go flying. Hope that helps.

 

Will I need a pry bar to put the tension back on it or will I be able to do it by hand?

 

No need for a pry bar, it's not that tight.

 

13v is not so bad. I don't think you will have any problems.

 

how much is our alts suppose to output?

 

mine was a 15mm on the tensioner, 1/2 or 13mm on the back of the alt, 9/16 for the rest, and then the clip. I can do mine in under 5 minutes no problem now! and I got the 140 amp alt from a police car in there. Its huge

 

If I wasn't going on vacation I wouldn't worry so much but I don't want to get stuck down there and not be prepared.

Also since I first got my car 5 years ago, I've had a small draw on the system. It's not enough to matter but if you leave it sitting for a few days the battery is gone. I had a few people look at it and couldn't find were it was. That's why I'm more worried than I sould be I guess.

Fastbird93 Thanks for the help!

 

You can also get a Impala SS 94-96, or a cop LTI caprice alternator and get it "clocked" and it will work. They are also 140 amp setup and should do you fine. I had got my first 140 amp from PEP BOY's with the lifetime warranty, and they did not have on it stock so I asked if he had a Impala one, he did compared the two together, and he "clocked" the case and the alternator has been in my ride for the last two years with no issues. Also when you get it checked get how much amps it is putting out. Most people think that since it puts out 14 volts it good but don't check the amps it is putting out. In any case I hope this helps.

 

1995's already have a 140 amp alt, stock.

 

Well the trip went fine. Altough I got a little worried Monday, for some reason the gauge in the dash went from showing a little over 13 to a little under 13. Anyway it'll be changed Friday.

Thanks for the help.
Jason

 

Good to hear everything went well. Wish I had your luck. My alternator went during a trip, and I had to get towed and hour to a GM dealership to get a new one. Put it on myself in the parking lot so I wouldn't have to give them more of my money.