Red top optima alternator killer?

[kingtonghsp]

I need a new alternator but I was wandering could it be since I just installed a Red top optima? It puts out more cca does it make the alternator work that much harder?

Also I had got a alternator from advanced auto. Is that bad juju? Is there anyone with good experiences with these reman alternators?

 

[Right on the Mark]

I need a new alternator but I was wandering could it be since I just installed a Red top optima? It puts out more cca does it make the alternator work that much harder?

Also I had got a alternator from advanced auto. Is that bad juju? Is there anyone with good experiences with these reman alternators?

More CCA not the problem. Remaned alts are known to fail always keep receipt with rebuilds. I got my alt from boneyard and I was hoping to score a stock one but it looked like a new rebuilt unit. Its been on car for a year now. BTW this was on my mk8. I also bought the higher V8 CCA battery and put it in my V6 LS no problems.

 

[kingtonghsp]

Thank you for your reply. Ok so the battery is fine, and I can't find any new alternators. Can you link me to a good one please? Thanks

 

[Kumba]

Lots of threads on this. But to summarize:

1) All remans generally suck, some just more then others
2) Keep the receipt, chances are you'll need it
3) Learn how to change the alt, it will save you money

In my opinion your best luck will be had with a Napa or Motorcraft alternator. If you have the option, call a starter/alternator shop and see what they would want to rebuild yours. It has been my experience that they do a better job then part store remans and some will even warranty it on the car.

Only way a battery would kill an alternator was if it was extremely low or bad. Since I doubt that your issue, I would guess that the old battery was bad and took the alternator with it.

 

[regiment1]

The consensus over the summer is to stick with the motorcraft remans.

 

[jmtiseo]

When you do replace it, charge your battery before hooking it up. If you battery is drained empty from the alternator going bad it's a lot to ask a new alternator to charge it up. It will do it but it's a little life off the alternator to have to charge a dead battery.

Don't know if this is true but it sounds right to me. Some members have mentioned the used of DB Alternators. Both my brothers have them on their super dutys and they've been treating them well. They can be had for under 150 bucks. Don't know if they make one for our car and they have mixed reviews on here.

 

[cammerfe]

My history---
Put in Optima red top at about 100K miles
Alternator was low on output so replaced at about the same time. The only alt immediately available was from Auto Zone.
Within the month, the AZ alt failed---actually on the starting line at Maxton---replaced by flashlight in the pits after a trip to town.
Failed and replaced again three months later
Failed and replaced again about a year later. (This one has lasted until present.)

Lifetime warrantee means I've only paid once, and I've got really good at doing the changing.

KS

 

[pragmatic]

Mine (alternator) failed at ~130,000 last April (early 2000 LS). Purchased a new one from a local electric shop. Chinese made with proper clutched pulley (manual transmission only). So far so good. Shop recommended it over a rebuild and once he saw mine he knew it was mounted low since the everything was corroded. Can't talk on batteries since I'm still on the original.