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  #1  
Old 11-09-2012, 07:42 PM
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ensteele ensteele is offline
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Alternator Problem and Question

I pulled a SVX out of storage and started to drive it on a daily basis. The alternator went out. Checked it and it was only putting out 11.8 volts.

Went to NAPA and bought a new one. Within two weeks, it failed. Checked it and it was less than 12 volts.

They replaced it with another one. Within two weeks, it failed. Is my car doing this, or is it bad luck with alternators? What could be doing this.

Thanks in advance.
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Subaru Ambassador

[COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430
1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739
1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831
1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680
1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229
1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car)
1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913
1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164
1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176
1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215
1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223
1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408
1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484
1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525
1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624
1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961
1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855
1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872
1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097
2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951
1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420

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  #2  
Old 11-09-2012, 07:46 PM
1986nate 1986nate is offline
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Re: Alternator Problem and Question

It's typical "box store" alternator failures. They are commonly failing out of the box or shortly after for any car. Get one from Maniac and I'm sure you'll be fine. Also, make sure your battery is fully charged before starting it as that puts extra strain on the alternator.
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  #3  
Old 11-09-2012, 11:25 PM
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svxcess svxcess is offline
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Re: Alternator Problem and Question

Earl,

I second getting one from Maniac. I already emailed your questions to Christian.

Call Christian tomorrow (Saturday) She is usually there on Saturday mornings and early afternoons. Her number is (972) 557-5768

I'm sure she can give you some insights. She has never failed to answer any alternator question I have asked her.


Have you tried swapping it for a known good alternator from another car in your 'herd"?



MANIAC ELECTRIC MOTORS.

Much Cheaper than OEM, better rebuild quality than most out there and also a better warranty.


Stock 95A alternator ...$149.00 outright, $89.00 with core exchange. 2 year warranty

160A high-output alternator...$248.00 outright, $188.00 with core exchange. 1 year warranty


If you order online and enter 4747 in the coupon code, you get free ground shipping. If ordering by phone, don't forget to mention this code as well.


They will also send you a UPS Call Tag to have your old alternator shipped to them at their expense (no cost to you) to credit back the $60.00 core charge.


This is one of the best aftermarket companies I have ever dealt with. Their customer service and commitment to quality and excellence exceeds even my expectations. Christian is very knowledgeable and can answer just about any question you have. Its nice to know companies like this are still in existence.

Look at their feedback ratings on EBAY and AMAZON They don't get any better than this.

.
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In-Service Date: January 2, 1997



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Last edited by svxcess; 02-19-2014 at 11:52 AM.
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  #4  
Old 11-10-2012, 05:00 AM
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processengr processengr is offline
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Re: Alternator Problem and Question

Another thumbs up for Maniac!!! I have had several of their alternators including high output and will say it is the best remanufactured alternator for the SVX that I know of.
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  #5  
Old 11-10-2012, 10:16 AM
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ensteele ensteele is offline
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Re: Alternator Problem and Question

Thanks

I put a new battery in it so that should not be a problem. I will call her and get one of them. I figured it was that common box store problem. Just wanted to do it quickly (not the best way I guess). Her alternators are not that much different in price either.
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Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*>

Subaru Ambassador

[COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430
1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739
1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831
1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680
1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229
1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car)
1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913
1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164
1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176
1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215
1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223
1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408
1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484
1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525
1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624
1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961
1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855
1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872
1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097
2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951
1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420

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  #6  
Old 11-12-2012, 12:29 PM
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dannmarr dannmarr is offline
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Re: Alternator Problem and Question

Make sure it's not your wiring. Are you taking the readings from the alternator or from the other end at the battery?
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  #7  
Old 11-12-2012, 06:42 PM
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redlightningsvx redlightningsvx is offline
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Re: Alternator Problem and Question

Anytime I sell an alternator at work i always test it straight out of the box because I came across such failures.
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  #8  
Old 11-12-2012, 07:04 PM
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Subix Subix is offline
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Re: Alternator Problem and Question

I went through 2 new alternators and had zero symptoms or reason to believe my battery was faulty. Sure enough, I had it tested the third time around because it wouldn't turn over with the 3rd alternator and it was indeed bad. It had to definitely been the battery because afterwards I had no issues with the alternator again once I replaced the battery alongside the new alternator. They said the battery started sparking half way through charge so it makes sense it was frying perfectly good alternators within such a short period of time. Don't take their word for it either, I've had one place tell me my battery is good only to take it down the street for a second opinion and tell me it's bad.
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