Alternator overcharging

[chaseincats]

Hi gang,

I’ve gone through 5 alternators in the past 7 years.

These are all rebuilt ZX units each of which had different problems (hemispheres not lining up so couldn’t mount, squealing bearing, etc).  That said, the vast majority had the internal voltage regulator die and overcharged the battery per the voltage gauge (yes I checked with a multimeter).  Because oreilly lifetime warranties these, I’ve just been swapping them but I’m tired of this haha.

Are there any drop-in brand new (not remaned) alternators that work?  I know there’s a gm alternator that does but that requires permanently modifying the mounting bracket which I’d like to avoid…

 

Any ideas?

-chase

[Zed Head]

Remy seems to make good stuff.  They  make new alternators for some brands, I have a new (not reman'ed) Remy Gold on my vehicle, a 2003 Ford.  It's been good for 35,000 miles, and I got it used from a salvage yard.  Looks like only reman for your application though.  But, if I was going to buy one I'd buy Remy.  Check the other mainstream stores, maybe Napa or Autozone carry the brand.

I had an OReilly Ultima on my Z and it failed.  I got the warranty'ed replacement, put it on the shelf and installed a salvage yard 280ZX alternator.  Those O'Reilly alternators tend to be junk.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/nissan,1980,280zx,2.8l+l6,1209316,electrical,alternator+/+generator,2412

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=37579&cc=1209316&pt=2412&jsn=383

[chaseincats]

1 hour ago, Zed Head said:

Remy seems to make good stuff.  They  make new alternators for some brands, I have a new (not reman'ed) Remy Gold on my vehicle, a 2003 Ford.  It's been good for 35,000 miles, and I got it used from a salvage yard.  Looks like only reman for your application though.  But, if I was going to buy one I'd buy Remy.  Check the other mainstream stores, maybe Napa or Autozone carry the brand.

I had an OReilly Ultima on my Z and it failed.  I got the warranty'ed replacement, put it on the shelf and installed a salvage yard 280ZX alternator.  Those O'Reilly alternators tend to be junk.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/nissan,1980,280zx,2.8l+l6,1209316,electrical,alternator+/+generator,2412

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=37579&cc=1209316&pt=2412&jsn=383

That Wai unit being new is interesting, do you know if anyone on here has tried it?  It's weird it says new on the page but when you click info it says reman.

I'm going to email rockauto and see which is correct...

[SteveJ]

I haven't had any issues with the Frontier alternator I bought from Rockauto. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8829284&cc=1359200&pt=2412

Rockauto has several other brands listed as new (not reman). You also have to buy a plug like this to integrate it into the wiring. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZMN2B59

Attach that plug to a 2 pin connector from Vintage Connections (http://www.vintageconnections.com/Products/Detail/79), and you can plug the new alternator into your car.

Last, but not least, you'll need to replace the ring on the alternator charge wire with one that can go on the M8 post on the alternator.

[Zed Head]

Odd that new units for the Frontier cost less than reman.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/nissan,2001,frontier,2.4l+l4+dohc,1374500,electrical,alternator+/+generator,2412

[Zed Head]

Autozone's Duralast has the same part number as that new WAI Rockauto unit.

https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/alternator/p/duralast-gold-alternator-14592n/740842_0_0

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/nissan,1980,280zx,2.8l+l6,1209316,electrical,alternator+/+generator,2412

Has a limited lifetime warranty.  About $106 after shipping from RA.  About $149 from Autozone.  $43 from peace of mind knowing that Autozone is close by.

I'd probably go to a salvage yard and look for a Frontier or Xterra.  Just for fun.

 

[Zed Head]

I forgot the other advice often offered - take the bad OReilly unit to a shop that rebuilds alternators.  See what they can do.

Or, break out the soldering tools and replace the regulator.  

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/nissan,1980,280zx,2.8l+l6,1209316,electrical,voltage+regulator,4884

[SteveJ]

37 minutes ago, Zed Head said:

Autozone's Duralast has the same part number as that new WAI Rockauto unit.

https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/alternator/p/duralast-gold-alternator-14592n/740842_0_0

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/nissan,1980,280zx,2.8l+l6,1209316,electrical,alternator+/+generator,2412

Has a limited lifetime warranty.  About $106 after shipping from RA.  About $149 from Autozone.  $43 from peace of mind knowing that Autozone is close by.

I'd probably go to a salvage yard and look for a Frontier or Xterra.  Just for fun.

 

It has to be a 4 cylinder Frontier or Xterra to have the correct pulley.

[chaseincats]

1 hour ago, SteveJ said:

It has to be a 4 cylinder Frontier or Xterra to have the correct pulley.

To use the frontier alternator you need to do the wiring mods you noted though, right?

 

[SteveJ]

11 hours ago, chaseincats said:

To use the frontier alternator you need to do the wiring mods you noted though, right?

 

Yes. For the 78 it's easier than for earlier S30s since your car is already set up for an internally regulated alternator.

[Captain Obvious]

20 hours ago, chaseincats said:

I’ve gone through 5 alternators in the past 7 years.

the vast majority had the internal voltage regulator die and overcharged the battery per the voltage gauge (yes I checked with a multimeter).

When you took the alternators back to the store, did they confirm the problem on a tester? Did they test them before they accepted them back for exchange?

Reason I ask is if there's a poor/intermittent connection on the sense line leading to the alternator, it'll charge too high. And if it's intermittent, you might think it's a problem with the alternator, but actually it's a problem with the rest of the car.

[chaseincats]

1 hour ago, Captain Obvious said:

When you took the alternators back to the store, did they confirm the problem on a tester? Did they test them before they accepted them back for exchange?

Reason I ask is if there's a poor/intermittent connection on the sense line leading to the alternator, it'll charge too high. And if it's intermittent, you might think it's a problem with the alternator, but actually it's a problem with the rest of the car.

No but the problem is always fixed after the swap which is why I think it’s always the alternator

Edited June 20, 2023 by chaseincats