Alternator issue

1993 SATURN SC1
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LEONRATZO
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I have a 93 sc1 with a new engine replaced about 1 1/2 years ago i am at a loss i had the original alternator go out so went to the junkyard found another had it tested and was good at 14.25 it lasted about 35 days so thinking it was from a junkyard and i have no idea how long it sat in the yard i decided to get a brand new one well here i am today 2 months later and the new alternator is now also burned up i have figured out my tale tale sign is my stereo will cut in and out (meaning turn off and back on when it is turned up to loud) and when the alternator goes out the car runs till the battery dies then shuts off completely i have checked the battery it charges and holds a charge just fine the car was lowered and has been since i bought the car in 09 all the dust shields are on and in tact any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,
Cory
Jul 26, 2012 at 6:42 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Have you checked the actual voltage at the battery at idle?Then turned on all your accessories and seen what the voltage is?I have never seen that model saturn just eat up alternators one after another and i have been working on these cars since 1993.Did the junk yard alternator test bad when you replaced it?
Jul 26, 2012 at 6:51 PM
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LEONRATZO
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At idle battery checked at 14.35 with lights and radio on it droped to 13.10 on the meter after last alternator went out charged battery put meter on and it read 12.0 and started to decline and declined even faster when lights and radio where turned on I'm charging battery now and will test voltage when battery is charged
Jul 26, 2012 at 7:00 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Alright keep me posted.So far the voltage looks good i would also test the voltage with the ac on also if it works head lights on high beam blower fan on high.
Jul 26, 2012 at 7:08 PM
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LEONRATZO
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Ok ill let you know as for AC hasn't worked since I've owed the car I've checked it and the Ac compressor is bad needs replaced but has never caused an issue
Jul 26, 2012 at 7:16 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Alright keep me posted.
Jul 26, 2012 at 7:29 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Also when checking the voltage at the battery at idle run the high beam headlights and the blower motor on high even though the ac is inop.
Jul 27, 2012 at 1:14 AM
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LEONRATZO
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Ok sorry for the delay at idle battery reads 12.58 with lights on and high beams on and fan on high the voltage drops to 12.10 when revved to about 2500 rpms voltage drops to 12.08 hope this will help I'm at an utter loss as to why it's burning through alternator thus far oh and that's also with the radio on as well
Jul 28, 2012 at 11:02 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Have you checked to see if you left the fusable link loose on the alternator stud?Also what is the voltage at the battery with nothing on?
Jul 29, 2012 at 12:35 AM
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LEONRATZO
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I'll jack it up and look again I'm almost positive it's tight and as for battery with car off it reads 12.98
Jul 29, 2012 at 12:41 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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I ment idling with nothing on voltage at the battery?
Jul 29, 2012 at 12:45 AM
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LEONRATZO
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At idle battery reads 12.58
Jul 29, 2012 at 12:47 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Wow thats low where did you get the alternator from?Also whiie your under the car see what the voltage is at the alternator post where the fusable link attaches?Also unplug the connector on the alternator see what the voltage reads when the key is in the run position?
Jul 29, 2012 at 12:58 AM
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LEONRATZO
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Bought alternator online at partsgeek.com if I remember right I'll check my emails for receipt
Jul 29, 2012 at 1:02 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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I would never buy a alternator online just for the fact if it fails my only car is down untill i mail off my alternator and get another one in the mail.I hope it was a really good deal having to deal with a down car and mailing it for alternator off for a warranty.Also do those checks and let me know what you find.
Jul 29, 2012 at 1:11 AM
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LEONRATZO
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Ya true but it was a good deal at 54 bucks
Jul 29, 2012 at 1:13 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Now factor in a rental car if you dont have another car or cant borrow one still a good deal?Just as a example auto zone has one for 105 plus tax lifetime warranty and you can walk into the store and get another one if it fails.
Jul 29, 2012 at 1:23 AM