Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Cracked alternator housing, Should it be replaced?

In the process of installing my new MSDS headers on my 99 cougar, I noticed that my alternator's housing is cracked. It has working fine (has 108K miles now), and never given me any trouble. The current issue is its cost, and the fact I'm getting conflicting data on which one is the right one. AdavanceAuto (parts america) lists it as a 130 amp unit, for around $199-275 and autozone says its a 95 amp for about 169.00 Thing is, the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Thing is, has anyone else seen this? and if so did you bother replacing a WORKING unit (even though the housing was cracked)? Now would be the easiest time, as the rear manifold is off, and that's about the only way to get the damn thing off, but why spend upwards of 275? , if it's only considered a "cosmetic" problem. The car charges fine, the alternator spins over like it was new, just several cracks in the side housing. (about a 3/32 gap in one area.) and several smaller radiating cracks from that area.

I would replace it now while it is easier to get to. These things don't heal themselves, and when the cracks get bigger at some point the alternator will fail.

If it were easier to change and you were willing to keep an eye on it it MIGHT be worth waiting, but that isn't the case here. Change it, and buy yourself some peace of mind.

As far as I know, all Contiques use a 130 amp alternator.

Its 130 amp and remember there is a core. If the crack isn't noticable then I would get it placed now while you still have a core to give back. Also check the dealer, I was suprised that iwas actually the cheepest place for me. I paid $136, but get a little discount.

checked around for a replacement. Turned out the dealer was second highest for me. ($244.99) Got a new one elsewhere for $138. Hopefully they'll accept the core. who knows though...