Alternator repair - voltage regulator

[Phreak]

I did a search but didn't find nothing...

Can the voltage regulator be replaced in our alternators? I have an alternator that's basically new but the VR went with an engine wash.

I already have a new alt on, but it's always nice to have a backup :)

If yes, any recommendations on where to get this done?

Thanks!

[TurboMike]

I know the dealer used to sell the brushes and bearing as a seperate part number, dunno about regulator.

[LilBeanTSI]

I'm pretty sure the voltage regulator is inside of the alternator itself, so in other words you need to replace the whole thing. Just gt Pep Boys and get one with a lifetime warranty. Make sure they test the new alternator before you bring it home. I've had some that were bad out of the box.

[atc250r]

Download CAPS and you can look up the part numbers then search them on one of the online Mitsu parts sites. I know they list a bunch of separate parts for them.

John

[97gsxminus1bolt]

its available but you have to disassemble the alternator.

[blcknspo0ln]

I'm pretty sure the voltage regulator is inside of the alternator itself, so in other words you need to replace the whole thing. Just gt Pep Boys and get one with a lifetime warranty. Make sure they test the new alternator before you bring it home. I've had some that were bad out of the box.

+1, I had a little episode a month ago. Went through 3 alternators and 2 batteries in a week before I got a good pair.

[TurboMike]

2Gs eat alternators. I keep telling myself I'm going to learn to rebuilt them myself. If alternator rebuild shops can buy regs and brushes, we should be able to also.

Rebuild vfaq (with part numbers):
http://vfaq.com/mods/wayback/BradBauer/ ... l/alt.html (http://vfaq.com/mods/wayback/BradBauer/electrical/alt.html)

[Phreak]

Well it's a 1G alt, but would replacing the bearings/brushes have any effect on the voltage regulator, or just make the alternator work again assuming an already working VR?

I'm thinking that the rebuild in that FAQ would make an alternator that wasn't charging work again, however I can't see it fixing the VR.

Anyway, TurboMike, if you want to try your hand at it, you're welcome to this alternator because it's probably going to hit the trash otherwise.

Brushes/commutator (sp) I have to think are fine since the alt was making 16.5V, just the VR was shot, so the alternator was making 16.5V :P

At least you could try it on an alternator without any pressure, it's already broken :P

[rotorocker]

I've seen regs and brushes for sale, but I hear theyre a pita and not even worth the time/money

[TurboMike]

I heard its a bitch too. Which is why I started taking my alts to a local rebuild guy and paying him instead of getting another rebuild which wont last more than 6mo.

But I still wana get quaility parts and see if I can do it myself. I could make a fortune selling to 2G guys. "2G alt that wont break in 6mo with guarantee" they'd be beating my door down. Eh, too bad I'm lazy.

[atc250r]

You can swap in a Saturn alternator that puts out like twice the power and is cheaper to buy. There's a how to on it on dsmtuners or one of the big sites.

John

[TurboMike]

Yeah I read that too. Its not an easy (ie: lazy) solution either but once you get it working it should be good forever instead of typical 2g alt hell.

[UnderBoostAWD]

There is no such thing as "2g alt hell" . You are doing something wrong, or buying aftermarket crap.

[T_K]

Are all your ground and power wires in perfect condition?

[shane]

There is no such thing as "2g alt hell" . You are doing something wrong, or buying aftermarket crap.

maybe your just lucky. haven't know anyone who hasn't had to replace an alternator on a 2g.

[TurboMike]

Aftermarket crap? Dealers have not carried "new" 2G alts for years. You get the same shit rebuild you get at popboys and autozone only at three times the price.

[UnderBoostAWD]

JNZ can get them.
They (alternators) are unusually expensive, even for OEM.
When my original OEM does go south, I still wouldn't take a chance with aftermarket, unless I know it is the same part.

[tommyp]

Pepboys and other places are crap. I've dealt with them before and was disappointed. For starters and alternators I just go to a specialty starter and alternator place and have them fix/rebuild it. It may cost more, but at least its guaranteed for life. Its easier paying more one time and replacing the alternator one time. You can buy anything you want in life but you can't buy time.

[TurboMike]

For shits and giggles I went to JNZ's webiste. All "new" 2G alts are listed as "serviced as an assembly".

Regulators are $150 and Stators are $150. No wonder nobody is rebuilding them with factory parts.

I still say the only way to get a good 2G alt is to find an OEM from a parted out car, and when an OEM dies you bring it to a local rebuild place and tell the guy you want quality shit in there. All the rebuilds are crap, including the ones at the dealer.