Bad Alternator -Repair or Buy Remain?

[83STE]

Looks like I got a bad alternator . This is 108 amp Delco SI. The system is not charging - there is only battery voltage at the battery (spec is 13.3 - 14.4 V.) Unfortunately the dash diode and alt lights are not working but the fuse checks ok. The alternator gets hot at the rectifier and whines. The there is a current drain about 500 mA with engine and system off. Sounds like a bad diode? If so, is it worth it to repair or is it better to buy a reman. Repair kit is $17. A Delco reman is pretty pricey at $ 170 . Although I would hate to get it, a Pep Boys or other box store alternator it's about $80 TIA

[85_Ciera_Rebuild]

....bad alternator
....108 amp Delco...current drain about 500 mA

Generally, that suggests a bad diode...IF you have the tools, you could repair it; I know how, and have the tools, but I have not repaired an alternator is some twenty plus years.

A starter I would either rebuild, or have someone do it...but an alternator, I have bought rebuilts.

I would get a rebuilt, and forget it...but, if you could downsize to a 60 amp or so alternator, it may be much cheaper...unless you need that extra amperage.

>Repair kit is $17.

What's in the repair kit?

>A Delco reman is pretty pricey at $ 170

Uh, just several years ago, a brand new one was around 120 bucks....if I recall correctly.

[Tonglebeak]

It was 120 for a rebuilt duralast 105amp alt from AZ when I got it last year.

[LordDurock]

i wount get a dura last my family has had them fail way to often.

[Tonglebeak]

:\ Mine's been running for a year so far so I'll cool with it.

[85_Ciera_Rebuild]

108 amp Delco SI.


eBay:
(http://motors.search.ebay.com/delco-alternator_W0QQfromZR40)

Notice the tidbits in this Kit...there interchange chart (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALTERNATOR-REPAIR-KIT-GM-DELCO-10-SI_W0QQitemZ170103253339QQihZ007QQcategoryZ33573QQ rdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem)

[CieraSL92]

...Why would you repair something that's so easily disposable and relatively cheap?

I haven't had any bad luck with Duralast, but ValueCraft sucks.

[dcjredline]

:\ Mine's been running for a year so far so I'll cool with it.

I am sort of tired of this discussion but here goes anyway.

I have worked at AutoZone for 5years and I have only seen about 10-20 alternators come back. Valucraft INCLUDED.

I cant tell you one thing I have dealt with MORE Duralast and Valucraft Alternators than ANYONE here and the percentage of "Bad" ones is VERY LOW. I would say less than 6%.
Most times when they do come back they TEST GOOD and the customer was all pissed when they walked in cause our alternator was "BAD"

Everyone has theyre own opinion but I have some REAL EXPERIANCE with this subject first hand.

[Slacker]

I'm ganna have to agree wtih Don and Tongle. I've never had a problem with Auto Zone's parts. Plus the save on $$$ makes it even all the more worth it.

AC Delco parts are nice, but waaaay too pricey for me.