Alternator keeps failing

[ghempo84]

I tried searching this one, but couldn't find anything. Before I start catching heat, I'll just put it out there; my alternator is an O'Reilly store brand. Cheap, I know, but with a lifetime warranty that I figured was better than having to send an alternator back through the mail.

Anyway, I figured even though it was a cheapo, I might have to replace it once every year or so. Well, in the past three months, I've gone through 3 and I'm about to be on my 4th. The first one lasted a day, the second 3 months, the last one less than a week. I know these are far from the best alts, but I think it's odd that they are only lasting a short time.

Is there any reason other than just a crappy alternator that would cause this problem? Is there possibly something wrong with the belt or some other part?

Don't think it has anything to do with it, but I'm running a yellowtop battery, all else standard.

 

[DownUnder]

The first thing I would do is check the Voltage difference between the Alternator output tap and the Battery Positive terminal. sounds like somthing in the wiring. just my thoughts.

 

[lunchbox]

I have an orielley alternator in my truck. It takes a shit every 6mo.

 

[D Chapman]

This reminds me of a Steve Young thread.

 

[singingcamel]

Check your 150 amp fuse in the fuse box in the engine compartment, it may be toast.

 

[ghempo84]

Thanks for the advice. I tried the output and battery comparison and the alternator is putting out about .4 volts more, so I don't think I'm losing anything there. Also, all the fuses are intact. I'm gonna monitor the voltage periodically. Any more ideas are welcome. I guess I'll definitely be getting my money's worth out of the warranty. They keep breaking... I keep bringing 'em back!

 

[wheelen disco]

Every rebuilt or cheap advanced auto/ o'rilley Rover part that I've bought in the past has failed prematurely.

 

[Timmy!!!!!!!]

I have gone through several auto zone alternators... I plan on getting a used one as a spare. At least I can change them in under 20 minutes now...

 

[jhmover]

I bought a el cheapo rebuilt one that worked for about exactly 20 minutes before it blew and actually melted the 100 Amp fuse and the fuse box when it blew. I took it back, got another one and replaced the fuse and the fuse box and that one worked for about a week and took a shit. At least the 2nd time it didn't melt anything. At that point I said screw it and I went someplace else and got a Bosch rebuilt one and I have had no problems with it.

 

[DarylJ]

I know there might not be one within reasonable distance from everyone as they are a dying breed, but you should all be looking around for a good independent alternator/starter rebuild shop. I've dealt with several in the various places I've lived over the years, and almost all of them turned out better quality rebuilds for less money than the cheap stuff you get from the chain part stores. My local one doesn't even gouge me when they see Land Rover or Porsche on the parts I bring in (hint: the rebuild parts don't cost any more than rebuilding a Chebby alternator).