Hello everybody,

I have a 1994 Accord LX 4-door (2.2L, MT, A/C) that needs a new alternator. While shopping around I noticed that the EX Accords are equipped with a 90-amp alternator which is 10 amps better than the 80-amp units that the DX and LX models came with. I figure it would be wise to swap in the higher-capacity EX alternator in anticipation of an aftermarket stereo installation. The 90-amp unit is also a couple bucks cheaper. I just want to be sure that the alternators are interchangeable. Does anyone have any knowledge regarding this topic?

Here are some specific questions:
Are the alternators the same physical shape/size? Judging by pictures online, it looks like they are, but the pictures used by sellers online are often very generic and can sometimes be misleading.
Are the pulleys the same diameter? / Are the belts the same length? There seems to be just one belt size listed for all A/C-equipped 94-97 Accords, but I was hoping to get some reassurance from someone with direct experience.
Any differences in electrical connectors?

Thanks in advance!

 

Yes they can be interchanged freely. I have been using them on my LXs for years. You will also want to swap the main battery fuse in the underhood fusebox for a 90a as the DX/LX only came with an 80a fuse.

 

Thanks. That hadn't occurred to me. Are you sure the fuse you swapped in was 90A? It looks to me like the next available rating above 80A is 100A. I checked around online and it looks like the F22B1/EX cars used a 120A fuse. The fuse in question is No. 15 in the engine compartment fuse panel, correct?

Do I stick as close to 90A without going below and go with the 100A fuse, or should I use a 120A fuse as in the EX cars?

 

Yes, #15. It's 100a for the EX models per the factory service manual, it's been so long since I've looked at it I forgot.

 

Thanks again. I've ordered a 90A Denso reman and a new accessory belt to go with it. I'll pick up the new 100A fuse locally, since the jump in shipping cost for adding the fuse to my order is way more than the cost of the fuse itself.

I'll update after the new parts are in, though it's possible the car still may not run/drive since it's been sitting for several years. Other problems may (hopefully not) reveal themselves after the alternator is installed.

 

I got the alternator installed last weekend, but I broke the tension adjuster bolt for the power steering belt while I was putting it all back together. I still needed to pick up the 100-amp fuse, so Monday I grabbed a replacement bolt at the same time I was out getting the fuse. Tuesday, I put the bolt in and tensioned the belts, but the fuse I bought was the wrong physical size. The radiator cap also fell apart on me when I checked the coolant. Despite the lack of a new fuse, I did start it up that day and it jumped to life with minimal cranking. I only let it run for a minute or two to avoid the coolant boiling over. Ordered a new rad cap from Honda which arrived on Friday. I spent most of my spare time on Thursday and Friday overhauling a snowblower in preparation for a big snow Friday night, and then spent the bulk of Saturday moving snow. I finally popped the new radiator cap on this afternoon (Sunday) after digging the car out of a fresh snowbank. Took it on a short 4-mile test drive around the block. It ran great, considering that it sat for at least 3 years - other than me moving it to a different spot on the property about a year ago - and the gas in the tank is aged the same. With the exception of the alternator, everything else on the car seems to have fared just fine. It pretty much ran and drove as if it never sat in a field for all those years. Go Honda.

Regarding the fuse, the one that fit is a Bussmann FLD-100. I initially picked up a FLB-100 based on what RockAuto had listed for a '94 Accord, but the terminal length and screw hole spacing were too large.
In case it's helpful to anyone who happens to read this
FLD-100: 1.413" screw hole spacing - fits my '94 Accord LX
FLB-100: 1.939" screw hole spacing - doesn't fit

I'm pretty sure it was just a typo on RockAuto's part, but it did occur to me that maybe the EX has a different fuse panel than the LX and DX which could explain the different size terminals. I kinda doubt that, though, but anyone reading this should double-check before they take what I wrote above as gospel.

Anyway, this particular job is done, though the car will need some other rehab before it's a daily again. Thanks again for the tips. It was a big help.