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  #1  
Old 07-25-2013, 11:09 AM
jbDC9 jbDC9 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 868
Default AutoZone alternators

Not to re-ignite any debate on the pros/cons of auto store alternators vs Plane Power or B&C alternators, but I thought I'd share a funny story regarding my recent AutoZone experience.

My original alternator was the stock Vans 60a unit; it lasted almost 2 years and 350 hours when it went belly up in 2008. I replaced it with a 14684 model from AutoZone; the price was $96 with a $50 core charge, so including tax/core I was out the door for around 104 bucks. Fast forward to 3 weeks ago; was out in a 3 ship gaggle with the Weiser guys headed to get some "cheap" gas at Brazoria County when the BRL (Big Red Light) came on. Low voltage, oops. I couldn't get the alternator back online, so I did a U-turn and headed back to the hangar to yank the offending alternator; I really can't get too irritated about it, it lasted 5 years, 702 hrs and part of that time had a little nose case oil leak getting it wet!

So, I pull it and head to the nearest AutoZone hoping that their "lifetime warranty" will actually hold up. They didn't have a 14684 in stock, but with a transfer from a store across town the new one was in hand by 2pm and yes, the warranty was still good. The best part was the price; the price on this thing has dropped a bit over the last 5 years, the current price being $82 with a $20 core charge. I would have been happy enough to hand 'em the bad unit and get a new (reman) unit in it's place, but wait, the guy at the counter says "I owe you some money"... I hadn't done the math in my head and was thinking I might get 5 bucks back, but he starts counting up cash out of the register and hands me 47 dollars. "Huh?" says I. "Yep" is his reply. "Really?" "Yep." I figured at this point I'll just shut up, take my new alternator and my $47 and head for the door before he wises up and takes his money back...

I know some will say that these alternators are junk, but I'm okay with 5 yrs/700 hrs on this one and their warranty coverage just blew me away. Perhaps with the new unit I'll run it 6-700 hrs and then take it to an auto electric shop for a preemptive overhaul... I'll hopefully have a couple of years to figure that part out.
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  #2  
Old 07-25-2013, 11:26 AM
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tadsargent tadsargent is offline
 
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Default

SSSSSHHHHHHHH !!!!!
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  #3  
Old 07-25-2013, 11:58 AM
TS Flightlines TS Flightlines is offline
 
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WOW! good thing you didnt tell him was an airplane!! most shops turn and run when you say airplane. Not boat, tractor trailer. but airplane.
it fits quite a few imported models of vehicles.
Tom
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  #4  
Old 07-25-2013, 11:59 AM
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Sam Buchanan Sam Buchanan is offline
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Location: North Alabama
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Default gotta keep drivin' the old Honda.....

As long as I have the 1978 Honda Civic CVCC with no air I can get a free new alternator at Advance Auto Parts.......

I too find this a great reason to run an automotive alternator.
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  #5  
Old 07-25-2013, 12:04 PM
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blackbeard10 blackbeard10 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: OH
Posts: 207
Default experience a bit different

Rollin' down the taxiway, preparing for a local flight. Newly minted RV4 with
55 hours and a Honda civic alternator 14184 and the Ford regulator. Putting out 14.2 volts. Alternator belt tension was checked at about 40 hours and was 7-8 ft/lbs. Halfway down the taxiway heard a very high pitched sound. Not the sound you get from screeching fan belt that needs lube or tightened. This was a single tone. Turned off the radio. No difference. Changed RPM no difference.
Then it stopped. Then I got the smell of burned paper in the cockpit but no smoke. EFIS said 12.8 volts. High tailed off the taxiway and got the phillips out of the travel backpack and took off the top cowl. The fan belt was broke clean and the alternator was locked up. So much for the 14184 and its bearings. Now running a B&C lightweight and B&C regulator. Different comfort levels for different folks. End of story.
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  #6  
Old 07-25-2013, 12:41 PM
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OregonRVguy OregonRVguy is offline
 
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Location: Salem,OR
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Talking 1978 Honda CVCC

I actually HAVE a 1978 Honda CVCC(well, the engine is a heavily modified '83 1.8L) if you ever need photographic proof
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  #7  
Old 07-25-2013, 01:52 PM
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Sam Buchanan Sam Buchanan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TS Flightlines View Post
WOW! good thing you didnt tell him was an airplane!! most shops turn and run when you say airplane. Not boat, tractor trailer. but airplane.
it fits quite a few imported models of vehicles.
Tom
It's for an RV, right??

Quote:
Originally Posted by blackbeard10 View Post
Rollin' down the taxiway, preparing for a local flight. Newly minted RV4 with
55 hours and a Honda civic alternator 14184 and the Ford regulator. Putting out 14.2 volts. Alternator belt tension was checked at about 40 hours and was 7-8 ft/lbs. Halfway down the taxiway heard a very high pitched sound. Not the sound you get from screeching fan belt that needs lube or tightened. This was a single tone. Turned off the radio. No difference. Changed RPM no difference.
Then it stopped. Then I got the smell of burned paper in the cockpit but no smoke. EFIS said 12.8 volts. High tailed off the taxiway and got the phillips out of the travel backpack and took off the top cowl. The fan belt was broke clean and the alternator was locked up. So much for the 14184 and its bearings. Now running a B&C lightweight and B&C regulator. Different comfort levels for different folks. End of story.
People have had failures with every brand of alternator, but yes, different comfort levels for everyone.

Quote:
Originally Posted by OregonRVguy View Post
I actually HAVE a 1978 Honda CVCC(well, the engine is a heavily modified '83 1.8L) if you ever need photographic proof
That is great to know!
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  #8  
Old 07-25-2013, 02:32 PM
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Ironflight Ironflight is offline
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Default

"Home made off-road vehicle" truthfully anserws all the parts guy's questions...
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  #9  
Old 07-25-2013, 02:49 PM
terrykohler terrykohler is offline
 
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Posts: 1,009
Default Tell the Truth

When they ask what kind of vehicle it came off of, I tell them "an RV". Which model? A Kohler. Never heard of them, must not be many on the road. You're probably right.
Terry, CFI
RV9A N323TP
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  #10  
Old 07-25-2013, 02:57 PM
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tmbg tmbg is offline
 
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Location: Atlanta, GA
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Default

interesting... if I plug in 78 Civic CVCC on autozone, the 14184 alternator comes up as $23.99 with a $20 core
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