New alternator rectifier?

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I managed to hook up jumper cables backwards (hmm, that's not suppossed to spark like that!) and cook one or more diodes in the voltage rectifier. With reman alternators costing so much, I'd prefer just changing what's broke. It looks like Autozone and Advance have "Voltage Regulators", which I'd assume contain the rectifier as well. Has anyone swapped just the electronics on these?

EDIT: I guess normally the rectifier and regulator are separate circuits.

[Tony2005]

I remember reading the Canadians doing this (rebuilding alternators) more often than us. They can buy a kit for something like $20 or so. You might want to post in their forums.

[svtavino]

I have rebuilt 2 alternators so far. You can buy the parts from napa. http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...=11&SubCatId=2
I would recommend the brushes and holder while you are at it they are cheap.

[Pale Horse]

I managed to hook up jumper cables backwards (hmm, that's not suppossed to spark like that!) and cook one or more diodes in the voltage rectifier. With reman alternators costing so much, I'd prefer just changing what's broke. It looks like Autozone and Advance have "Voltage Regulators", which I'd assume contain the rectifier as well. Has anyone swapped just the electronics on these?

EDIT: I guess normally the rectifier and regulator are separate circuits.

They are separate circuits, I believe. Does the battery light come on with the key in the on position? If not it means one of two things: either the rectifier circuit is bad or the battery light bulb has been burnt out. The battery light being burnt out will also cause the system not to charge. You can check this by showing the rectifier circuit ground. While grounded (if the rectifier circuit is bad) the battery light will illuminate with the key in the on position. If not then the bulb is burnt out.

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What Happened? I Thought You Only Typed... Oh Nevermind.


I tried to rebuild it, but still no dice. I had the rebuilt alternator tested and it didn't charge. With a race coming up I just threw in a new one. As soon as I fix my frickin tensioner I'll know what works and doesn't...