new alternator got ripped off?

[familyman1]

Blew my alternator last week on a 97 Mercuiser 5.7L Alpha. Looked online and saw various new replacements. OEM replacements new were around $230 and some generic off brands ranging $80-$130. A local shop took a look at my old one and said I fried the rectifier and diodes. Said He could order a new one for $230 OEM part. I agreed. Went to pick it up and yes it was a match but there was no name of manufacturer on the part, no part # other than a code AL13D1 that I cannot cross reference on line at all. I asked the guy who made the part as my last part said Mercruiser Mando part # 807652. This said nothing at all. Then I turn the fan/pull and it made some slight clicks and rumbles as it spun. I asked the guy and he said that was normal. I didn't feel good about it at all. Told him when I took the old one out it spun freely and very smooth. He wouldn't even give me my old Alternator until I asked for it and now I realized he didn't return the fan/pully part of my old one. My gut tells me I got ripped off. That this supposedly new alternator for $230 is a generic alternator non OEM piece of garbage that he spent probably under $100. Do OEM new replacements parts have part #'s, manufacture name ect listed on the Alternator? My old one did.

 

[Don S]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

Do OEM new replacements parts have part #'s, manufacture name ect listed on the Alternator? My old one did.

Of course they do. It's the cheap offshore junk that people buy that is nothing but a cheap clone. They use cheaper materials and manufacturing methods. Why would you think the $75 part is as good as a $230 part.
You get what you pay for, if it seems to good be true, and a few other sayings come to mind.

 

[familyman1]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

Yes, I spent $230 and he said it would be a high quality OEM part, so sounds like he screwed me. Charged for a high quality alternator for a piece of junk.

 

[Don S]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

Yes, I spent $230 and he said it would be a high quality OEM part, so sounds like he screwed me. Charged for a high quality alternator for a piece of junk.

That he did, there are legal options you know.

 

[familyman1]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

I plan to go back tomorrow to try and return the piece of garbage. I sure hope he doesn't give me crap about trying to return it.

 

[familyman1]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

If he gives me a hard time what known ammo of info can be helpful?

 

[MarkSee]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

Without knowing you're exact engine type I did a little searching for a '95 5.7 and did see that the retail price of certain alternators is around $220 and others around $275; so what he quoted is probably legit.

If it was really OEM then you're right that it should have identical markings to what you currently have as OEM.

You're a fellow CA person so do you happen to live here in SoCal? If so, there's a couple shops I know of you could take what you bought and have them take a look. PM me is so.

Mark

 

[familyman1]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

Thanks, I'm in no cal. Bummer.

 

[achris]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

You can rebuild an alternator with a new diode pack and regulator for way under $100... I'd say he was planning on keeping your old one, rebuilding it and selling it for a very handsome profit, as well as the handsome profit he made from selling you a piece of junk.

Best to take your old alternator apart yourself, determine what parts you need and buy them yourself. You'll have a better job done, and saved a pile of $$$ to boot...

Chris....

 

[Fun Times]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

Any chance you could post a photo of the new alternator for future reference?

 

[familyman1]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

Absolutely, once I get my kid out of the bath and in bed I will go and take a picture and post it...maybe I will post a pic of the guy who's ripping me off. Rebuilding it will be fun. The guy blew mine to pieces. I will probably buy a new after I return the crappy one and rebuild my old one as it looks almost new and in prestine condition and then sell it...at least I can offset my purchase and give someone else a rebuilt OEM alternator.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

You can also take your alternator to an auto-electric place and just have them rebuild it.

 

[familyman1]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

here are pic of my ripoff alternator.

 

[cantaris]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

It does not even appear to be a Coast Guard approved marine alternator. The second picture you posted of the back, looks like there are no spark screens. And I might be wrong but I think marine alternators are stamped indicating they meet marine standards.

 

[familyman1]

Re: new alternator got ripped off?

You are right. There should be a code it starts with a J. Which indicates that it is Marine approved. I actually ordered a new alternator from iboats and saved $60. I will rebuild the other OEM diodes and regulator and then sell a perfectly restored alternator and give someone a good deal. I did return the one I bought and they knew I called themcon there dishonest practice.