I have a 2002 GMC Yukon Xl 3/4 with the 8.1 liter motor.

I had a problem of the headlights flickering and I tracked it down to the Voltage regulator on the alternator. Since that part is not sold seperately I did not bother to replace it because it was functioning, just not ideally. 8 months later and the alternator died! I called around to find a replacement part and the dealer wanted $1301.13. Not going to be happening.

I called my local Napa and they have their "gold" model for $222. Thats fine. The only problem is nobody sells the 180amp model that came with the truck. They are all selling 105amp models. Is that a problem?
I dont power anything other than an amplifier off of it besides the factory equipment. I cannot see anyways it would need 180amps.

I called a few other places and nobody has the 180 amp model besides the dealer.

The 105amp fits fine but is there something I am missing/giving up because I have a smaller alternator ??

Any advice/interpretation would be appreciated~!

Thanks
~Jonathan

 

Well it's all gonna depend on what your electrical system requires you can try the 105 AMP but they may not be able to keep up with, your rad fan, radio , tranny engine mangement, there must be a reason why the alternator is so much, and why they are using a 185 amp alternator

 

Have you called up a local alternator rebuilder? Should be able to get the stocker rebuilt for the same price as buying the 105 amp one. Like Burns says, there must be a reason why it came with a 180 amp alternator. But $1200 for an alternator from the dealer? Sheesh....

edit: looking on rockauto.com, the highest amperage is 130 that i can find, and the most expensive is a bosch unit for $251. ACDelco is about $179-$185.

 

185 amps..

thats a lot of side marker lights

but really though...
the factory usually puts the correct sized alternator, and most cases if you addditional uses, you should upgrade, but NEVER downgrade...

especially only 56% Amps of the OEM model



Modified by Crazydave at 9:58 AM 10/10/2005

 

Are you sure it is supposed to be 180 amps? I looked up the current spec on the truck on the GMC website. They list a 145 amp on the 3/4 ton & a 160 on the 1/2 ton. Actually, the word they used is 'required'.

I found this on the PartsAmerica website. They are the online site for Checkers, Schucks & Kragens. Surely, one of those auto parts chains is in your area. 1st item is a 145 amp unit.

http://www.partsamerica.com/Pr...nator

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Have you called up a local alternator rebuilder? </TD></TR></TABLE>

I had the one on Gigantor rebuilt. The total bill was less than the *SALES TAX* would have been on a new one.....

 

Thanks everyone for advice.
I called a rebuilder and they wanted $185. Not bad really. He said that the amperage was a difficult issue to address. He said standard was probably the way to go.

I think I am more confused than ever!

 

I have the one rebuilt on my PSD and the guy bumped if up for me (I'm sure it just happened that way) and I paid about $80 for the rebuild. Well worth the money. Shoot I will probably ship any other item like that I need rebuilt instead of messing with any parts place.