High Output Alternator

T

therealrogers

New member
Hello All,

I'm a first time poster, but I've done a lot of reading here and I appreciate the forum. Does anyone know of any sources for high output alternators other than DB Electrical?

I ordered one from DB and it came damaged - the pulley was pressed all the way into the housing of the alternator (see pic at bottom). I called them and to their credit they overnighted me another one that arrived the next day. However, when I opened the box it had the same exact problem.

I sent back both alternators, which they received back on Tuesday, May 28 (They've charged my credit card for both and I'm still waiting for a refund). I was finally able to talk to someone at DB today, and now they are saying the owner doesn't want to send me a third one. Essentially they aren't letting me buy one from them because I received two damaged ones. This is the strangest experience I've ever had when trying to do business with any company. Everyone on here seems to have overall positive experiences with DB, but mine has been really odd.

Anyway, my Marauder has been down for two weeks as a result of this debacle, and I still don't have a working alternator. Advance Auto & Autozone both say it will be a week for a normal one, but I'd really like a high output one. Anyone have any suggestions for a high output alternator source other than DB Electrical?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Lee

IMG_2768.jpg
 
I would do that, but I'm actually a little wary of doing business with them at this point. The guy I spoke with on the phone actually recommended I start a fresh order in my wife's name, because he doesn't think the company will let him send another alternator to my name. Really weird and making me quite apprehensive to do any more business with them.

If I can't find a different source for a high output alternator I will just get a normal one. I'm exhausted with this process. :(
 
Mechman makes an alternator for our cars. I just put one on a couple weeks ago and it works great. It did not come with a clutched pulley, so I get belt squeal when shifting at high RPMs now. I asked about the clutched pulley when ordering and they said they did not like them as they can fail. Well, sure, my stock one was making noise which was one reason I changed it after 113K miles . . . But I would be tempted to try a clutched pully on the HO alternator to get rid of the squeal.

I have not yet connected my deep-cycle battery'd trailer for an abusive battery charging session, so don't know much about the high-output aspect yet.

I too would be leery of doing business with a company who builds an alternator as you've described. How could they have tested it before shipping with the pulley jammed into the case like that?
 
This has been very helpful. At this point I'm leaning away from an HO alternator. It doesn't seem like anyone can quite get it right. DB Electrical has a good reputation on here, but my personal experience wasn't good. Additionally, it seems like those who have bought from there have had to return them within a short time for service.

I saw Mechman's site too, which is a good recommendation, but I don't want to deal with the squealing issue.

At this point, I'm probably just going to order one from Autozone. I like the lifetime warranty. This one cross-referenced with the Motorcraft GL-547:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/_/N-93xme?itemIdentifier=34862

Anyone have any feedback on that model? I saw some others on the forum had problems with the alternators Autozone gave them, but with this being a direct cross reference, I think it should be okay.
 
lifespeed said:
How could they have tested it before shipping with the pulley jammed into the case like that?
Click to expand...

Yeah, good question. They insisted that every alternator was tested before shipping. However, I have a hard time believing it. The only reason for the condition they could come up with for the way the alternators were was damage during shipping. But they were well packaged, and I have a hard time believing two alternators showed up identically damaged.

The rep I spoke with hinted at a quality control issue. Apparently they are doing 3x more volume than just a few years ago, but with the same number of employees. Now that's more believable to me than damage during shipping.
 
I went with Power Bastards. I still have the alternator sitting in my storage but plan on installing it this month or next month.

Might want to give them a try:

http://www.powerbastards.com/products.asp?cat=125978&navsid1=72&navsid2=296

Plus, I got the 0 gauge wiring fuse block kit to assist when I do the big 3 upgrade too.

Mike Savino at Power Bastards was very helpful and answered all my questions before I placed my order.

Another member here posted up on Power Bastards but I forgot his screen name.
 
Yes, I checked them out, too. Their site seemed to be pretty specific to the Marauder, and I almost went with them. I'd love to hear how your experience ends up. May still go that route in a few months.
 
therealrogers said:
Yes, I checked them out, too. Their site seemed to be pretty specific to the Marauder, and I almost went with them. I'd love to hear how your experience ends up. May still go that route in a few months.
Click to expand...

When I get it installed I'll let you know.
 
therealrogers said:
Anyone have any feedback on that model? I saw some others on the forum had problems with the alternators Autozone gave them, but with this being a direct cross reference, I think it should be okay.
Click to expand...

It has nothing to do with getting the right model and everything to do with the quality of the rebuild. Some guy is pulling apart alternators and scrounging good windings and stators and slapping in new bearings and brushes and trying to make a working unit out of used parts.

I have gone the rebuilt alternator route before and went through three of them before getting a working unit. Luck of the draw, it may work for you. Could be irritating, though. Be sure to check with an accurate digital voltmeter at idle and at 1200 RPM and make sure you don't have a barely-functioning lemon.
 
therealrogers said:
I saw Mechman's site too, which is a good recommendation, but I don't want to deal with the squealing issue.
Click to expand...

ANY alternator you get with a solid pulley will squeal when the transmission shifts at high RPM. Will your Autozone cheapie have a new, made-in-Germany clutched pulley?
 
lifespeed said:
ANY alternator you get with a solid pulley will squeal when the transmission shifts at high RPM. Will your Autozone cheapie have a new, made-in-Germany clutched pulley?
Click to expand...

Simply not true!:bs: i have an 8 rib pulley setup with a solid/clutchless pulley and it does not squeal at all, nor does any other member i know with a solid pulley.
 
MOTOWN said:
Simply not true!:bs: i have an 8 rib pulley setup with a solid/clutchless pulley and it does not squeal at all, nor does any other member i know with a solid pulley.
Click to expand...

So, are you telling me my belt chirp did not start when I swapped in an alternator with a solid pulley? Because it did. Don't tell me what my car does, you have no clue.

Or are you trying to argue that a clutched pulley was included for no reason and serves no purpose? Does that make you smarter than the Ford engineers? I doubt you are.

Anybody with half a brain knows what that clutched pulley is for. If you can run without one with your modified supercharger accessory belt setup, good for you. But that has no bearing on the original design.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top