Alternator in Austin

[SANCasey]

Anyone have a suggestion where to pick up an alternator for a GT40 in Austin, Texas other than Sail & Ski? Also will need a new belt.

Thanks

[Chexi]

Yeah bud, I may have a used one for sale cheap. I have the 100 amp upgraded one that I will installing once I get my boat down to Austin in hopefully a few days. That said, its power regulator might be going. I tend to show on the high side on my voltmeter when my current alternator kicks in. Even if this is the case, I would assume that the fix is a lot cheaper than buying a new one. We could get it bench tested once I rip it out.

Note, you would need the belt wheel from your current one, as I have to canibalize mine on my 50 amp alternator to use it in the 100 amp alterantor upgrade which has a serpentine wheel stock (per the installation instructions).

[Texan1554]

Yup, give Gabe a call at Ace Marine. They're right next to ski shores, good folks.

[SANCasey]

Thanks Chexi. I might take you up on that offer. I am not 100% sure that mine is going out, but it is 12 years old and last night when I had my boat in the water it started smoking the belt (belt is only 2 years old). I just want to be prepared to get a new one if mine is indeed bad.

Anyone know where to get one tested? Can they test them at Autozone?

[AirTool]

Thanks Chexi. I might take you up on that offer. I am not 100% sure that mine is going out, but it is 12 years old and last night when I had my boat in the water it started smoking the belt (belt is only 2 years old). I just want to be prepared to get a new one if mine is indeed bad.

Anyone know where to get one tested? Can they test them at Autozone?

yes and you know you can also change out your own bearings if you want. Or swap with Chexi's cover. On old stuff, I always keep a shelf spare and rebuild them at my convenience.

[SANCasey]

yes and you know you can also change out your own bearings if you want. Or swap with Chexi's cover. On old stuff, I always keep a shelf spare and rebuild them at my convenience.

Is it fairly simple to remove/replace the bearings? Are the bearings the only thing that goes worng with the alternator?

I called Sail & Ski and they want $241 for the alternator compared to Nautiqueparts at $199. With the other money I have spent on figuring out my fuel pump was bad, I am trying not to spend a fortune on a boat my wife would prefer we sell!

[AirTool]

Is it fairly simple to remove/replace the bearings?

Generally depending on the alternator and the mechanic. A press is handy but sometimes a big c clamp will work. I don't know on your Ford alternator, but you might be able to buy a crap rebuilt one from the auto store and steal the hard parts out of it that aren't marine code.

Are the bearings the only thing that goes wrong with the alternator?

No but that jumped out at me as causing the problem with your belt. Usually the bearings don't go bad before the electrical parts. You'd have to take it apart and look at it. I'd have it checked on the machine at Napa first. Note I like working on GM alternators more than ford.

[TallTex]

www.AlternatorParts.com

You can get expert information on what you need or what you have and buy the best parts from the alternator guy

[wake_fun]

Why not just buy the 100amp upgrade alternator kit?