Cheap re manufactured crap!!!

[nova801428]

 A long time ago (a year or so) I was having brake issues.  I then replaced my master cylinder twice and I thought that would have fixed it but my brakes still sucked.  I took it to a shop and the mechanic replaced the master cylinder because the re manufactured one was crap.  Anyway, I know my alternator is crap, should I take it back and risk another one?

[Lt.Del]

You can measure the output of an alternator.  Go ahead and get it, keep the receipt, ensure warranty.  Then install and hook up the voltmeter.

[VileZambonie]

Failure analysis? What made it fail? was the rubber under the cap swollen? Was there contamination in the system?

[Fordeatinz71]

not all reman stuff is crap.  you just got unlucky.  and not to mention, not knocking you, but are you sure the brake stuff was installed correctly...? 

as to the alternator...i've bought plenty and gotten most all good ones...i think you're safe...

[nova801428]

Yes, the master cylinder was installed right.  For some reason the seals leaked or something like that...this is when my bro owned it.  He for some reason knew the system way better than me.  Anyway, I took it to Autozone and it checked out alright.  I went off-roading last night knowing this was a problem.  We jumped it, drove 5 miles, did some off-roading in deep water (to the bottom of the door) then we starting driving back.  My windshield wipers would not work since there was no power, then I drove 1/2 way home, and I stopped because I would have got pulled over for really really dim head lights.  We jumped it again (let it sit for like 3 minutes then went.  I barely made it home.  Then, the next day I went to Autozone and they checked the alternator and I took the battery and both checked out good.  I just replaced my negative battery cable and tried to move my truck, but it just won't move (It just clicks, then I turned the head lights on, now it does not do anything)  I can't remember what someone suggested me, but if Autozone's machines ACTUALLY work (I think the machine always tells it to pass no matter what....lol) then something is causing my battery to run dead.  I have nothing on except my head lights.  What do you think?  What should I look and test for?
 Thanks

[VileZambonie]

With the truck running and the alternator connections/batt connections good...check the voltage at the battery with a meter.

[nova801428]

Shouldn't it be like 12 or so?  What happens if it isn't....then is the alternator shot?  And if it is then something else is my problem, correct?
  Thanks

[Lt.Del]

No, the battery should be about 12.7 or so sitting w/out motor on.  The alternator should be pushing about 14 volts or more when running--at least if you check it at your battery.

If not, it could be cable connections (red wire at starter--or black grounded to block or alt bracket) or alternator wire connectors. Could be battery connections or it could be be the alternator itself.

[nova801428]

O.K, I jumped my truck with my other truck.  My other truck read 14.7 at the battery running.  As soon as I jumped my truck (chevy) then I took a reading and it only said 11.8.  So, what's up?  Do I have to completely charge the battery for this to work....because it shouldn't matter since the alternator should supply the correct amount of power all the time, right?
 Thanks

[VileZambonie]

You have no charging system output. Either your field ckt is open or just replace the alternator.

[nova801428]

Field ckt?  Please explain?  Say I buy a new alternator....how do I prove that my alternator is shot to the dumb &$%! at Autozone?  Thanks

[JJSZABO]

Tell the clerk at Autozone what you told us

O.K, I jumped my truck with my other truck.  My other truck read 14.7 at the battery running.  As soon as I jumped my truck (chevy) then I took a reading and it only said 11.8.  So, what's up? 

If you don't like his reply, return it and buy somewhere else.

[Fordeatinz71]

well, before you go in there with "both barrels smoking", you might wanna make sure all your wiring relating to your alternator is good (ground straps, battery cables, alternator wiring)...one wire bad and you get no charge...doesn't matter if your alternator is putting out 14v or 140v. 

and be sure your wires are good...don't just look at them, get a multimeter and check for continuity and make sure there's not anything wrong you can't see

[nova801428]

They just gave me a new one, after I was throwing mine around in the gravel....lol.  Anyway, we'll see how it works

[nova801428]

Yes, I checked (visually) my wires.  I replaced the - cable, and I am going to do the + tomorrow.  If that doesn't work then....I don't know.  I'll find it sooner or later.  Luckily I just fixed my other truck today (wiring issue) so now I can drive and get parts.....yay!!!