98 Civic - Eating alternators like candy
12-04-2016
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98 Civic - Eating alternators like candy
Hello all, I'm a new user here.
My 98 civic has been going through alternator after alternator for the past couple years. I think its currently on the 4th alternator. Its not an easy part to replace, so its a huge hassle when they keep dying, even though warranty keeps replacing them for free. The last time one died, I switched from an O'Reilly alternator to a Pep Boys alternator, but again I am now left with a battery that doesn't charge while I drive.
Does anyone know what could be causing this? My guess is potentially a bad ELD (Electronic Load Detector) could be making the alternators burn out sooner, but finding one of those for a 98 civic seems to be difficult.
What would people suggest I do?
My 98 civic has been going through alternator after alternator for the past couple years. I think its currently on the 4th alternator. Its not an easy part to replace, so its a huge hassle when they keep dying, even though warranty keeps replacing them for free. The last time one died, I switched from an O'Reilly alternator to a Pep Boys alternator, but again I am now left with a battery that doesn't charge while I drive.
Does anyone know what could be causing this? My guess is potentially a bad ELD (Electronic Load Detector) could be making the alternators burn out sooner, but finding one of those for a 98 civic seems to be difficult.
What would people suggest I do?
12-04-2016
#2
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 98 Civic - Eating alternators like candy
Every time you replace one, it works for a while, yes?
Sounds like cheapo alternator syndrome.
6 months each is probably expected.
An original equipment low mileage used alternator from a recycle yard is probably going to be more reliable than most parts store cheapos.
Quit buying cheapo parts.
Price an alternator from Honda? There's a reason it's not cheap.
Got a rebuilder in your area that's any good? (some use quality parts, some use cheapo parts)
Sounds like cheapo alternator syndrome.
6 months each is probably expected.
An original equipment low mileage used alternator from a recycle yard is probably going to be more reliable than most parts store cheapos.
What would people suggest I do?
Price an alternator from Honda? There's a reason it's not cheap.
Got a rebuilder in your area that's any good? (some use quality parts, some use cheapo parts)
12-05-2016
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Every now and then when a thread gets posted about alternators, there are often reports of poor quality alternators from just about every auto parts chain stores. Why is that? How can it be so consistently bad? Why can't anybody put out a decent product? It's not rocket science right?
Is it a case of the alternators being mechanically able to fit onto the car but is electrically incompliant with specs, which would lead to short life? That seems plausible, as it would mean having to offer fewer versions of the part.
*gets off milk crate*
Is it a case of the alternators being mechanically able to fit onto the car but is electrically incompliant with specs, which would lead to short life? That seems plausible, as it would mean having to offer fewer versions of the part.
*gets off milk crate*
12-05-2016
#4
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 98 Civic - Eating alternators like candy
See also, 'white box', 'made in China', 'counterfeit'
Why can't anybody put out a decent product? It's not rocket science right?
Is it a case of the alternators being mechanically able to fit onto the car but is electrically incompliant with specs, which would lead to short life? That seems plausible, as it would mean having to offer fewer versions of the part.
*gets off milk crate*
*gets off milk crate*
JMHO. YMMV.
12-06-2016
#5
OF top 99.5% creator (Formerly of the Puffinblunts variety)
Re: 98 Civic - Eating alternators like candy
Are you over-tensioning the alternator belt? Other than that stop buying aftermarket ones from Poop Boys and O' Sharty's. A used OEM is most likely better than a new aftermarket.
Use this to search used parts in your area: http://car-part.com/
Can find pulled and U-pull.
Use this to search used parts in your area: http://car-part.com/
Can find pulled and U-pull.
Last edited by Wankenstein; 12-06-2016 at 07:07 PM.
