[Alt Follow-up] a.k.a. NAPA crap

[Keith Fullerton <kefullerton@yahoo.com>]

Just wanted to inform/warn everybody to stay away from NAPA rebuilt
alternators (at least the 90 amp version). After going through 4 (maybe
5...I lost track) of them in few months I finally got my money back (+
core charge). As far as I can tell, they are using either cheap or
wrong (or both) voltage regulators...Thanks to several list members who
pointed me in this direction. Finally on the last one I got from them I
replaced the voltage regulator with an OE one from the junkyard and all
seemed well...I was measuring 13.2 volts with the headlights on.

Well, After 40+ miles of driving I heard a very loud and violent and
rapid clattering noise from under the hood as I was driving down the
interstate. I pulled over and looked under the hood with the engine
running...didn't see anything, drove home immediately with weird
clattering noises coming from under the hood and wife with a look of
concern on her face wondering aloud if we'd make it home/why I drive
the Scirroco. To make a long story short...(or is it too late?) One of
the long thin screws that holds the alt housing halves together
vibrated loose. The head backed into the alt fan which is what made the
noise as it battered the screw until it broke and bent the fan blades.
Returned it to NAPA and received a refund. I was not interested in
trying yet another one. BTW a second screw on that same alternator was
also getting quite loose.

Just FYI and consider yourselves warned.

-Keith

84 8v <-- driving again without fear of being stranded

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