I have a 96 disco. Owned it since 2005 and like it very much. Today i went to NAPA and had them order a replacement alternator because the one I have is making noise. This is the 4th I've installed. Luckilly the first one I bought has a lifetime warranty so I will wind up with a free replacement after taking the core back. These seem to go at about 7000 miles.

I have heard this is a common problem with asian replacement parts.

I am looking for a good quality alternator that I can rely on. I will keep this new rebuilt NAPA alternator as a spare. A recommendation from someone who has been through this or a qualified mechanic would be appreciated.

Also, if I was to get a 200 amp replacement alternator for this 100 amp alternator would there be a problem?

Thanks

Ed

 

Here is the problem, NAPA, AutoZone, etc. all use one of 2 re-builders.
I went threw 2 alts from AutoZone in one year and 2 from Advanced Auto in 1 year.
I settled on a used LR one and it has lasted almost a year so far.
The problem is not with the truck it is with the alternators.
Advanced Auto Sells brand new Bosch alts.
If I were you I would either buy a brand new one of a used one and then return the one from NAPA for a full refund.

 

See I have the same problem, I believe it is my alt but I can't tell. I stethoscoped it and my money is on the alt or my belt tensioner. Should I make a vid to show you guys?

 

Like I said, I'm doing number 4. The noise is difficult to pinpoint but I am familiar with it now. I first notice a slight carryover of the engine whine when I shift from 1st to second. Then after a few days it comes and goes as additional engine noise. My alternator must have sleeve bearings that wear down.
My alternator is still working but others describe breaking down on the highway when they fail. Replacement should be in today. I'll replace it under warranty but I still am looking for another more reliable alternator that I'll install and keep this piece of junk as a backup.

I am looking at one rebuild by a company called Quality Built. Anyone know of them? Apparantly they are rebuilt in North America and come with a 5 yrs warranty. the are available at Auto value here in Calgary.

 

Here's some stuff that may or may not be helpful .....

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Land-Rove...alternator.htm


http://www.landroversonly.com/forums...version-23504/


http://rangerovers.net/rrupgrades/el...lternator.html

 

When your alt fails you can still drive, the battery light will come on and your tach will stop working but as long as you have power in the battery you'll keep moving.
Now if the bearings in it seize thats another story.

 

EDH, the noise you are describing, with the "Carry over" sounds more like the fan clutch that the alternator, I may be wrong, but, it'd be worth checking out.

 

Hi larry,
I went through the fan clutch last year at the same time as the 2nd alternator and replaced it when i did the alternator.

I replaced this alternator yesterday. -15C outside, no heat in the garage. Running fine now, all extra noise is gone. Don't know how I did it without dropping a nut or two.

 

Here we go again,
I replaced the alternator again today, luckily NAPA still honors the warranty. This thing lasted from Feb 2011 to Aug 2012. NAPA assured me today that the warranty is still good. When I started this thread I had in mind getting a better alternator but didn't, I just let it slide.

Does anyone know of a good reliable alternator that will last? I know now that this one will not last longer than about a year so I better not risk getting stranded.

Napa is not willing to refund. I bought the first one in 2008. Price on this rebuilt today was 480.00. Lucky I keep my bills.

 

I bought a Range Rover Classic alt off of e-bay for $150 shipped, 1995 RRC, 120a.
Brand new.
Save the "new" NAPA one as a spare since they wont give you a refund.

When I returned mine I had to go to a different store than where I got it and talked to the manager, they looked up my history, refunded me my money.