Are alternators interchangeable?

Interchangeable Alternators

The alternators contained in each row will have the exact same mounting configuration. We can provide wiring harness adapters, a 1-wire regulator, or instructions if wiring changes are necessary.

Hereof, are alternators universal?

Universal alternators are made with all new parts or remanufactured. Visit AutoZone for the lowest prices on universal alternators in your city. Unlike an OEM specific alternator, a universal alternator works on a variety of vehicle engines. Simply return the old alternator and you receive the core charge back.

Also Know, can you use different alternators? so the only problem with putting a different alternator on would be the purpose of the terminals on a different alternator, as well as their size and design. also pulley type, but that could be fixed by finding an appropriate diameter pulley of the right type, which shouldn't be to difficult.

Furthermore, are all car alternators the same?

It is important to purchase a Alternator with the same Amps and not one with less. If you purchase one with less Amps it will not not charge your battery fast enough so you can use all the cars electrics when required. How a Alternator works ? Your engine runs on fuel, air and a spark ignites the fuel.

Can you upgrade your alternator?

The battery starts the engine, but the alternator takes over when the motor starts to turn. If your sound system demands more power than your stock alternator can supply, then you will benefit by upgrading to a higher output alternator.

33 Related Question Answers Found

What size alternator do I need?

As a rule of thumb, 12-volt alternators use one horsepower for every 25 amps of output, or to put it another way, their ratio of output to horsepower load is 25:1. So, when selecting a new alternator, you need to size it for the limits of the capacity of its drive belt.

How does it cost to replace an alternator?

Waits says the average price to replace an alternator with a remanufactured one is $400, while Gunning adds that a remanufactured alternator on a typical, domestic car, costs about $300 to $500, including parts and labor. The price of a new alternator can run from $500 to $1,000.

What is a 6g alternator?

1999-2008 (6G)

The 6G alternators have an internal voltage regulator and utilize the OEM wiring plug. These alternators are built with a 135, 150 or 225-amp ratings and include a 6-groove pulley or clutch pulley, depending upon part number.

How do I check my alternator?

Look for the number on the alternator. If you can't see the entire number, remove the adjustable bracket with a wrench. Take off the alternator and find the part number on it. Once you have the number, you have the identification of your alternator.

What is the highest amp alternator?

Niehoff claims their C803D is "the highest output commercial alternator available." This unit has a cradle mount to adapt it to most commercial engine applications.

How do I increase the amperage of my alternator?

You can achieve a higher peak amperage by putting fewer turns of heavier wire on the alternator stator windings. That reduces the winding impedance and lets more current flow, provided you have enough changing magnetic flux to excite the windings.

What are signs of bad alternator?

Symptoms of a Damaged or Failing Alternator

Difficulty Starting/Runs Rough.
Degrading Performance of Electrical Components.
Growling or Whining Noise.
Smell of Burning Rubber.
Warning Light.

Should you buy a used alternator?

There's nothing wrong with buying used as long as it has some type of warranty, the price of a used one is significantly less than new or reman, you don't plan on keeping the vehicle a long time, and the alternator isn't difficult to change for some reason (it's a pretty easy job on most vehicles).

Do alternators have serial numbers?

Alternator Serial Numbers. The first three or four numbers in the Serial Number identify the month (red) and year (green) of manufacture. SERIAL NUMBER EXAMPLES: Example 1: Alternator Serial Number: 10549170: 1 = January and 05 = 2005 so the alternator was made in January of 2005.

What do the numbers on an alternator mean?

Understanding Alternator Ratings

What this means is that an alternator rating of “50/120A 13.5V” means that the alternator is capable of providing 50A at 1,500 RPM and 120A at 6,000 RPM. Furthermore, it means that the rating was arrived at by using the standard test voltage of 13.5V.

Is a starter motor and alternator the same thing?

No. The alternator is essentially a generator that keeps your battery charged and prevents battery drain, or, a “dead” battery as most would refer to it as. A starter is an electronic motor with teeth and a pinion which grip what is called a flex plate or flywheel, depending on the cars transmission type.

How do I know the amperage of my alternator?

Look for a diagram under or near your fuse box cover. It will have individual amperage numbers (sometimes along with volts) already set by the manufacturer. Add up those numbers to find what amperage your alternator needs to feed the car's electrical system. Verify this number with the part manufacturer, if necessary.

Where is the part number on a alternator?

The OEM part number can be found directly on the part itself. You can also call a dealership with your VIN, and they will provide you with the OEM part number. You can give one of our car specialists a call at 1-888-907-7225 for further assistance in purchasing your alternator.

What happens if you put the wrong alternator in your car?

A) A bad alternator will result in a discharged (dead) battery and cause a vehicle to not start or run. Q) Will an alternator charge a dead battery? Charging a dead battery with an alternator will result in premature alternator failure.

Can I put a higher amp alternator on my car?

Will a higher amperage alternator cause any problems with my stock electrical system? A higher amperage alternator will not pose any problems to the vehicle's electrical system. Amperage will flow to only those components that can use the energy and supply as much amperage as the component can consume.

Do I need a high output alternator?

Amperage is basically the amount of electrical current your alternator can supply. That is, your alternator will only supply the amount of amperage a particular component demands—and no more. So high-output alternators will not harm your components or charging system, no matter how high you go with the amps.

How fast does an alternator have to spin to produce electricity?

An alternator has a normal range of operation. Most alternators need to spin at about 2,400 rpm at idle, have their maximum output above 6,000 rpm, and should never exceed 18,000 rpm.