Don't believe 'em!

[Doofy]

Been fighting the charging system on my F-350 Plow truck. Took the alternator and voltage regulator to NAPA for testing and they both tested good. I decided to upgrade from a 70 amp to a 100 amp alternator because the truck is a diesel and has dual batteries. I used the 70 amp for the core and came on home.

I promptly broke one of the new alternator brushes while trying to move the clock position from 3 oclock to 9 0clock, so my wiring would reach. No new brushes at NAPA. Had to order a set from Seattle (about a week). Had to drive back to town and get my old alternator back. Also picked up a new voltage regulator and a new plug- in for the Field and Stator wiring. This is a 40 mile trip.

Got home, installed the old alternator and regulator (the ones that they said tested "good")... Nothing! Voltage at the batteries, with the truck running was 12.3 volts. but.... my battery light was not lit. Installed the new voltage regulator...Yea! 14.3 volts!!! I can now maintain a charge with everything turned on in the truck.

Moral of the story....don't believe everything the parts houses try to feed you. Use your brain, figure things out for yourself. Troubleshoot until you understand how everything is supposed to work...then, make it happen!

 

[v-8power]

I was going to rebuild my alt. last week but could.nt find parts locally. Took it to a guy who runs Huntington altenator and starter. He tested it and found it was only putting out 45amps. He took it apart to find one of the wires had broke. He repaired it and then tested it and it was putting out 95amps.

He only charged me 20.00

 

[94STXRanger]

Hate to tell you but not everyone is out to get you. I work at Oreillys and test crap for people everyday. I test alt. starters, batteries, ignition modules and will test other things for people all the time. If they are good, i give them the good news and they can go home happy. If they are bad, I tell them the truth and the get pissed and grumble and buy the parts. I work off commision but dont try to rip off every person that comes in. Sure i try to sell a roll of towels or two, but dont try to lie to people.

 

[Doofy]

Sorry, they weren't being dishonest. I went back and watched them do the testing. The alternator and the voltage regulator both tested good...but the regulator wasn't. The regulator tester is at least 30 years old and obviously cannot be trusted. I do appreciate all the help and advise they provide.

 

[94STXRanger]

Its true some of the things we test will say its good when its clearly not. But either way my self and my coworkers try our best to help people. Its a lot easier helping someone find the problem the first time than have them coming back all the time mad.

 

[Doofy]

Yep, the NAPA guys are great and provide everyone with quality service. Our local store serves about a 25,000 sq mile area. Hardly any turnover, so, they know everyone and their vehicles. Don't know what I would do without them.

 

[fix_or_repair_daily]

I'm glad you have a good Napa store in your area. Can't say the same about ours. The people there for the most part don't know their ass from a hole in the ground. Half the time they either send the wrong part to our shop or forget to send it at all. Not to mention they usually take for ever to send it. Except for paint supplies, lately we order parts from a local chain that has much better service.
Josh