Alternator burned up, what would have caused this?

S

scott9050

Guest
My alternator took a dump in the 94, since my wife was stranded I took it to the local shop to be tested. When I got the used 98 alternator on it and was tested it was putting out 95 amps at idle. The battery was swapped out and it went back to the regular 30 amps at idle. The mechanic said that the Wal-Mart battery burned caused the old alternator to burn out and that he has seen many problems with their brand of batteries. Anyone else heard of this?
We are honestly thinking of trading in the Mark and getting a new car for my wife and then buying a newer Mark VIII later.
 
Just buy a new alternator and battery.

This is something you should always do when you change the Alternator.
 
not necsisarily.....



The Battery may have had a bad cell. It's not just a VIII problem, as I have had a few differnt cars do the same thing. Alternators are REALLY wierd, as far as electrical items go.....one day you could hit it with a pressure washer while cleaning the engine, and the next a small voltage spike could fry a diode or 2.

I prefer to run drycell batteries, as the seem to be built a little better, and less chances of a crakced or bad cell. Napa has an exide brand drycell, and optima makes good units.


Mike
 
It was only 2 months old so i got a free replacement. I need to replace the water pump as well, but that is no biggie. I have had several alternators burn up batteries, but this is the first battery I have had to burn up an alternator. We are honestly wanting a newer car though. I love the Mark but don't get to drive it much, so it's the wife's decision. If I sell it I can guarantee I will get another, but with much lower miles.
 
I am going to see if she would agree to let me have the Mark outright and I would make the payments on a new car for her. She does not want 3 cars, but I have this car 2/3rds of the way to where I want it to be. It was a mess when I got it but is now a respectable car, and I would hate to lose all of that hard work I have put into it.
 
KEEP IT, what year is it, The guys tell me the the 93-4's were the best engines. I know your Misses is a great lady...so work that HOTTIE charm of yours and she will HAVE to agree :) hehehe ;)

Let us know hottie! Oh get that battery out of your Mark, Walmart gives 90 day refunds or credit for it - especially if you can show them it cost you an alt!!!! I wouldn't take the chance...I'll buy my tire cleaner there, and some groceries....but they aren't touching my MARK!!!!

Smooches HOTTIE!!!

MsM8
 
The car is a 94, it ran a 14.651 at 97.21 bone dead stock, so I believe it deserves something better than an used car auction.
I am looking for a few parts I need right now. Don't worry Debi, I am working the charm:D
 
WalMart Batteries are #$%#^. I had to use one once cause it was the only place open on a Sunday night. Lasted three weeks before a cell went out. Got a free replacement that lasted 4 weeks - another bad cell. This one lasted over three months - when it went I got my $$ back (not easy to do with a battery but I had every receipt and had to work the Manager). I got a Motorcraft and no issues since.
 
Even new batteries may not be fully charged. You should get a battery charger, and use it to make sure whatever battery you get is fully charged before you start using that alternator.

I bought one at PepBoys Auto for about $39.
 
School_Zone said:
Even new batteries may not be fully charged. You should get a battery charger, and use it to make sure whatever battery you get is fully charged before you start using that alternator.

I bought one at PepBoys Auto for about $39.
Click to expand...

:I I bought a WalMart battery *once*, put it in the car to find out it was so dead it wouldnt even crank over. Had to put it on the charger to even use it... $HIT

WALMART SUCKS!!!
 
It is hard to seperate the two items if either is deficient in it's performance as they efect one another in terms of life time performance. In short buy yourself an expensive high output alternator, and a high amp (expensive) battery, and get rid of the problem and save yourself money and aggrevation in the end.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 149 (members: 0, guests: 149)
Back
Top