NAPA Rebuilt Alternator

Syncro · Sep 15, 2005

I needed a new alternator for my Ford 1710 last week, to wit the local NH dealer parts guy informed me it was $320 plus tax, exchange for a re-built unit. My local NAPA store said they could rebuild my old one for $148 which seemed like a bargain in comparrison.

I got the unit back in 2 days and it looked brand new! They did a super re-build job for less than half the price, and there was no question about it fitting or swapping pulleys etc as it was the same unit that I took off the tractor.

Thought I'd pass this on if/when you have to replace your alternator as I'm sure they can do all brands. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Junkman · Sep 15, 2005

My bet is that your local NAPA dealer has a local rebuilder that he sent it to for repair. I have a local shop that I use and they can fix just about anything that I send to them. They even have a way to rebuild starter motor drive units that are no longer available. Short of a broken case or end plate, there is nothing that they haven't been able to repair.

Cityboyfarmer · Sep 16, 2005

That's a good deal! It is nice to have options other than the dealer. I get my Kubota fuel and oil filters at my local NAPA store.

That alternator looks a lot like the one on my 92 K1500. I buy lots of the Duralast brand parts from Autozone with lifetime warranties. I bet they have one that would fit your tractor too. I think I paid around $70.00 for may last one that has lasted about 8 years so far.

Its interesting how much more dealer parts can be wheather its automotive or tractor etc. I just had my Pittman arm and steering gear box replaced yesterday on my old Chevy truck. The dealer wanted $1,100.00 for their parts! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif The labor was $300.00. But this local dealer will let you provide your own parts, so off to Autozone I went. The total with my parts and their labor came to $498.00. That's a $900.00 difference!

Farmwithjunk · Sep 16, 2005

There's a NAPA warehouse/machine shop/parts distribution center about 2 miles from the office. I've seen the machine shop a couple times. They have their own starter, generator, and alternator rebuild dept. in-house. Most NAPA stores in this area send their rebuilds in there for work. A NAPA store closer to the farm sends everthing out to a "jobber" for rebuild.

Over the years, I've come to trust rebuilt parts more than new in most cases. The faulty parts and wiring are replaced, and TIME-TESTED parts remain. With new, you never know what's gonna happen.

Farwell · Sep 16, 2005

I have used NAPA for different things over the years and have been quite satisfied with the work that they do. When it comes to buying certain things off of the shelves, you might want to shop around because I have saved as much as 50% off of the same brand name item at other stores. On the plus side they generally have what you need or can get it with in a day or two.
Farwell

hobbyfarm · Sep 16, 2005

( ...the local NH dealer parts guy informed me it was $320 plus tax, exchange for a re-built unit. )

OUCH,
You know, that's about a $100 more than one of these Universal Mount Alternators for a rebuilt. Plus this comes in at least 105 amp size.

tkcomer · Sep 17, 2005

I can’t remember ever buying a new starter or alternator. I have a starter and alternator repair shop about 7 miles from me and I’ve always taken the stuff to them. So far, they have been able to rebuild everything I bought them. They just rebuilt the starter on my Case-IH 685 for $65 with a new gear installed.

hobbyfarm · Sep 17, 2005

Yeah, we have a guru like that here too.
The link I posted in my previous post would be good if someone wanted a bunch of output for lights etc.

strokerduster · Sep 17, 2005

if you are in need of an alternator for something unusual you might look at this, NAPA #13-4011sw. it's a 65 amp. just mount it where the belt is tight and aligned. run one wire to the starter solenoid or ignition switch, then fire it up. iv'e used it on several old jeeps and tractors. it is about 75.00 including core.

BobRip · Sep 17, 2005

I was getting some brush noise from the alternator in my wife's 86 Caprice. I figured I would be lazy and buy a rebuilt unit . My wife complained of the lights flickering on the new alternator. I checked the voltage output with a voltmeter and could not find a problem. I drove it the Chevrolet dealer for state inspection one day (about 34 miles) and it died on the way. I had it towed, they replaced the ignition module and I drove it home. I checked the voltage again and found it was changing erratically. I figured the regulator was erratic. I replaced that and problems went away. An erratic problem like this will not be found on a rebuild. The alternator had to get hot and be stressed. By having your own old unit rebuilt, at least you know of any issues and you know its history. I believe NAPA has a premimum rebuild where they replace the regulator and lots of other components. I always get that now.

Bob Rip

Junkman · Sep 17, 2005

I dread the day that I have to have this one rebuilt for my 1978 Cadillac. I have no idea even where to take it for rebuilding.

Farwell · Sep 18, 2005

I had a Toyota Corolla that went through 4 alternators and 2 batteries in one week that were installed by Pep Boys in California. I finally demanded a refund, a new battery and took the car to a foreign car repair shop that had "real mechanics" where they replaced the alternator with a Bosh alternator. The problem was the exhaust manifold was quite close to the alternator and caused the built in regulator to burn out and make the alternator over charge and ruin the batteries. I will give Pep Boys credit, after I documented the problem with their rebuilt alternators they gave me full credit and replaced the battery. The batteries were destroyed in the Pep Boys repair shop by their mechanics after they installed their rebuilt alternator and let the car run for a while. It was funny, the batteries would swell up to almost half again their normal size. I tried to tell them that they had a problem but they would not listen. I should have tried NAPA in the first place.
Farwell

Syncro · Sep 18, 2005

I dread the day that I have to have this one rebuilt for my 1978 Cadillac. 

'78 Caddy eh? I bought one of those brand new in the Fall of '77. Good road car but not as good as was my '73 Coupe DeVille. This has absolutely noth'n to do with alternators, just conjured up some old memories /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Junkman · Sep 18, 2005

21 feet and 8000 pounds of pure American Muscle & iron! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

hobbyfarm · Sep 19, 2005

( Junkman was last seen riding off into the sunset with the good guys that wear the white hats....)in legirons and handcuffs... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
(Sorry, Junk, I just couldn't resist) /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Boy, that Cadillac alternator looks industrial duty. You sure you didn't get it out of a Kenworth? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dargo · Sep 19, 2005

To anyone here; does NAPA guarantee their tools for life? I was repairing a car my 16 year old "had a little accident" with this weekend, and broke a 1/2" ratchet. The 1/2" part that comes out of the ratchet head broke off clean and even with the ratchet. I've never seen anything like that. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Anyway, I received the tool from my father in law who passed away 12 years ago. I don't know anything about NAPA tools, or even if there is a NAPA store in my town. Anybody know if they'd replace this ratchet? It's obvious that it wasn't used as a hammer or pry-bar. Thanks!

strokerduster · Sep 19, 2005

they are lifetime warranty and shouldn't be a problem getting replaced.

Jim57 · Sep 19, 2005

I have always had very good luck with NAPA standing behind their tools. Our local NAPA stand behind everything they sell and always give us a good price. Most of the time they are more than competitive with the Local Advanced Auto Parts and Auto Zone here. Actually... I would much rather deal with NAPA because of their warranty and customer service. We also have an auto parts place called CarQuest which are also very competitive and very good customer service.

Jim

Jim57 · Sep 19, 2005

( I dread the day that I have to have this one rebuilt for my 1978 Cadillac. I have no idea even where to take it for rebuilding. )

We have a place called United Rebuilders, Inc." in Seneca, SC that rebuild all kinds of alternators, generators and such. They are located at 2207 Blue Ridge Blvd. , Seneca, SC 29672 Tel. 864-882-3026 Fax 864-882-3027. If you ever need it rebuilt you might want to give these people a call. They do very good work. I always give them my business because they stand behind their work.

Jim

Junkman · Sep 19, 2005

It is industrial sized and it does put out a lot of amperage, but there are times that it can't keep up with demand. I have dual batteries in the car with a switch too run on either battery or both. I usually run one batter at a time and switch over to start the engine after a run, because the battery that I was using is usually quite dead. The car may be in retirement, but the parades and such still give it a work out.