Bad alternator in 93 Deville, need help

93DevilleUSMC · #1 (**permalink**) 03-18-07, 11:18 AM

Hello,

The alternator wheel in my 4.9 engine is wavering and scraping against the rest of the alternator. Does anyone have any idea how to fix this, and/or what the cost will be?

Thank you!

noahsdad · #2 (**permalink**) 03-19-07, 10:15 PM

It could be just a bent pulley, or bad bearings. Either way, you're probably better of just replacing the alternator. A reman AC/Delco is about $150, and easy to install yourself. Don't bother with the aftermarket alts - they're cheaper, and you'll be replacing it again in a few months.

93DevilleUSMC · #3 (**permalink**) 03-20-07, 11:23 PM

Well, I took it to an alternator shop, and they tightened up the wheel, and I now have no problems with it. They told me to keep an eye on it for a week.

93DevilleUSMC · #4 (**permalink**) 03-21-07, 11:49 AM

Noahsdad, I noticed that you have an 87 SDV. My first car was an `87SDV, cotillion white w/ blue cloth interior.

noahsdad · #5 (**permalink**) 03-21-07, 07:41 PM

I wish mine were white or black. Mine's silver with the grey leather - very neutral. Rides and runs like a dream though.

93DevilleUSMC · #6 (**permalink**) 03-22-07, 04:11 AM

Nice. Mine died after four months.

awadecki · #7 (**permalink**) 03-22-07, 11:56 PM

I have an 85 CDV that is Cotillion White with blue cloth

By the way, I agree that the aftermarket alternators--even those from Bosch with lifetime warranties are complete junk. I went through 3 Bosch alternators in about 4 months (only 1,500 miles total!) before I sold my car.

93DevilleUSMC · #8 (**permalink**) 03-23-07, 06:35 PM

It wasn't the alternator that died on mine, but the whole engine sucked. Have you had any trouble with your 4100?

hammer489 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-07, 01:27 PM

I had a loose fan blade on my alternator when I bought my car. Got a real good deal on it because of it. Took it off and put an impact gun to it and poof, no more noise.

93DevilleUSMC · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-07, 11:45 PM

My alternator wheel loosened again, and this time it drained my battery beyond rechargeability. I'm replacing it today.

93DevilleUSMC · #11 (**permalink**) 03-30-07, 01:49 AM

The replacement was successful, total parts and labor $265 using a NAPA rebuild.

Pckstude · #12 (**permalink**) 03-30-07, 06:28 PM

It wasn't the alternator that died on mine, but the whole engine sucked. Have you had any trouble with your 4100?

I just bought a 1984 DeVille with 65,000 on it, and it has the 4100 in it. Even after sitting 7 years it runs great, even on that 7 year old gas. And not one drop of antifreeze, engine oil, or tranny fluid on the floor after all that time. I've heard from others whose 4100's ran good too. So I guess not all 4100's are created equal. From what I've learned in researching the problem, it was a combination of poor machining, and some design flaws, not to mention the aluminum block with cast iron heads controversy. Also it seems likely that after the first few years they corrected some of the problems, but the bad rap was already there.

93DevilleUSMC · #13 (**permalink**) 03-31-07, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pckstude

It wasn't the alternator that died on mine, but the whole engine sucked. Have you had any trouble with your 4100?

I just bought a 1984 DeVille with 65,000 on it, and it has the 4100 in it. Even after sitting 7 years it runs great, even on that 7 year old gas. And not one drop of antifreeze, engine oil, or tranny fluid on the floor after all that time. I've heard from others whose 4100's ran good too. So I guess not all 4100's are created equal. From what I've learned in researching the problem, it was a combination of poor machining, and some design flaws, not to mention the aluminum block with cast iron heads controversy. Also it seems likely that after the first few years they corrected some of the problems, but the bad rap was already there.

Wow, you must be enjoying your car! I love the `84 body styles. Well, this is evolving into an HT4100 discussion, it seems.