Hi,

The battery light on my dash lights dimly at night and glows brighter as RPM's decrease. The volt gauge is also low. I've put a voltmeter on the battery and it'll go to only 13.1 volts at 2K RPM and 11.7 volts at idle. I'd like to change my alternator before the inevitable happens. Does anyone know the best place to get an alternator and what I can expect to pay? I was surprised that IPD doesn't even list them but I haven't called to check. Thanks for any help.

Lou.

/// I left this out of the other post. --- To check the alternator belt push on one alternator fan blade with your finger. If you can turn the alternator the belt is too loose, contaminated, worn out. (engine off of course)

/// Did you check the belt. A slipping belt will produce the same symptoms. It is actually hard to turn a charging alternator. If there is any problem with the belt it will not charge. Look around the crank and see if there is any oil or dirt collected that could be caused by a leaking front seal. Oil will definitely make the belt slip. Use brake cleaner on the belt only. DO NOT HIT THE ALTERNATOR WITH CLEANING SPRAY!!! Then if you cannot do the repair immediately use belt dressing to get you to the next repair opportunity. Tightening the belt will not help unless that is the only problem, a loose belt, no oil.

I agree with Don's suggestion of brushes . . . espescially if it still turns freely with no noise (in other words, the shaft bushings aren't worn). However if you do wind up needing a replacement, check local automotive electriacl shops. I've found that often they can overhaul an alternator for reasonable amounts of $$$ (ie, less than new) (and often alternators that are sold as "new" are just old ones that have been overhauled, anyway).

I just went through an alternator problem in my 85 740 gle. I went to a alternator generator rebuilder and got hit up for 90 bucks with the core.Origianl Volvo rebuild.

I thought much cheeper then the big bucks they were looking for at Volvo for a new one and half the price of pep boys.

If your not a handy guy ,or just don't have the time to jerk around with your battery dying and your car starting rebuilds are the way to go.I'm from Joisy so you might also be able to get cheaper in another part of the country.

Mark

I appreciate all the help from everyone. The alternator rapidly degraded today so I decided to buy a used one, got it for $65 w/90 day warranty. This buys me some time to look for a new brush/regulator assembly for the original one. The pulley spins fine and the belt was tight and oil-free (Just did timing belt, waterpump, front seals late last year :) ). Thanks again everyone.

Lou.

I'd bet all you need is a new brush-regulator assembly. Or maybe a broken wire. And your alternator's up top for easy access.

If your alternaotor is a Bosch, the brush/regulator unit should be about 50-70 bucks at a Bosch place (don't know about the Volvo dealer) and changes out in two minutes! You need a short "slot" screwdriver to make the job easy, but it can be done with a regular length one. Not even any wires to disconnect! I wish our 940 had the Bosch our 740 had.

To check the bearings, remove the drive belt and brush assembly and give it a spin. Should be smoothe and quiet.

For stuff like alternators, I'd check locally first. You might find it just as cheap, you don't pay shipping on a relatively heavy item, you can get it same day, and you can just drop the core off.

Look in your Yellow Pages and call around.

Evan

Try a Bosch factory rebuilt. I bought one for a Chrysler product over three years ago and its still just fine. What's more, it was actually cheaper than the local NAPA rebuilt (i.e.,steam cleaned & not much else)!

The diode pack (brushes/regulator) can be cross referenced at your local automotive electrical specialist & will probably be half the price. AND its as simple as can be to install.