Alternator charging but making lots of noise

[Tahoe97]

My alternator on my 97 Tahoe 5.7l is almost 20 years old with 180,000 miles on it. While it continues to charge, it is getting noisy which I am attributing to age and wear and tear. When the original was replaced under warranty in 2000 with only 41,000 miles on it, the GM dealer's paperwork indicated it was replaced with part #10463651 which is now an obsolete GM part #.

Can anyone help me determine what the amp rating on this replacement alternator was back in 2000 as I want to make sure I maintain that amp rating when I install a new one. The RPO code in the glove compartment says K60 which I believe indicates 100 amp but that was the original factory one, not necessarily what the GM dealer replaced it with 180,000 miles ago.

If anyone has a suggestion for a high quality replacement alternator that has at least the amps part #10463651 had, please forward that on.

Thanks!

 

[Doubeleive]

My alternator on my 97 Tahoe 5.7l is almost 20 years old with 180,000 miles on it. While it continues to charge, it is getting noisy which I am attributing to age and wear and tear. When the original was replaced under warranty in 2000 with only 41,000 miles on it, the GM dealer's paperwork indicated it was replaced with part #10463651 which is now an obsolete GM part #.

Can anyone help me determine what the amp rating on this replacement alternator was back in 2000 as I want to make sure I maintain that amp rating when I install a new one. The RPO code in the glove compartment says K60 which I believe indicates 100 amp but that was the original factory one, not necessarily what the GM dealer replaced it with 180,000 miles ago.

If anyone has a suggestion for a high quality replacement alternator that has at least the amps part #10463651 had, please forward that on.

Thanks!

105 amps
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=870290&jsn=777&jsn=777

 

[OR VietVet]

That is the 105 amp reman Denso alt at RA for $111.79 after core return. The new AC Delco is also 105 amp and at $96.79 at RA. Link below.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3467898&cc=1061367&jsn=981


This is a new alt at Amazon for $68.95 with free shipping and is the part #10463651.

https://www.amazon.com/Alternator-F...r_1_1?keywords=10463651&qid=1575645446&sr=8-1

This is the AC Delco new replacement at Amazon for $95.28 free shipping

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-335-...sr_1_1?keywords=3351068&qid=1575645615&sr=8-1

This is the reman Denso at Amazon for $99.69 free shipping with no core return

https://www.amazon.com/Denso-210511...sr_1_7?keywords=2105119&qid=1575645711&sr=8-7

 

[Tahoe97]

I don't mind spending a bit more to increase the amps if it fits and doesn't overload my electrical system. Any advice on an upgrade?

 

[OR VietVet]

At least at RA it looks like all options with higher output are external fan and the one called for on your Tahoe is internal fan. Not saying it will not work but in all pics it also looks like v-belt pulley on those as well. I could be wrong and there is likely something else out there. If you had such good luck for so long with the one you have now, likely bearing going out, why not stick with what fits and is 105 amp.

 

[Tahoe97]

Agreed. I will stick with what works and fits, the 105A. The AC/Delco off Amazon looks like a no-brainer. In fact I may keep the one I have as a spare for emergencies if I am down and out in the middle of nowhere since the core return is not required. Thanks to all for the tips.

 

[liquify33]

There was a 140amp option, mine has it. Belt might be different but should bolt up the same way.

As mentioned though, if it’s worked for 20 years at 105 and you’re not adding crazy lights or stereo, no issue staying at 105

Edit: the plug may be different between 105/140 based on OReilly reviews. If you can compare them in store that would help.

 

[avalonandl]

If its making noise, it won't for long. It WILL seize....

 

[Tahoe97]

And that is exactly my concern. I will order the replacement today. Thanks

 

[liquify33]

And that is exactly my concern. I will order the replacement today. Thanks

While the belt is off check your idler and tensioner also. I had a growl that I swore was alternator that was the idler. $10 fix!

 

[Tahoe97]

Good suggestion. The idler was screaming about 2 months ago so I replaced it. But the alternator was already making some noise, less than the idler, but now it is the loud mouth. I did pull the belt and hand spun the alternator today and it was not happy, considerable bearing noise. 180,000 miles and almost 20 years and I can't blame it for wanting to retire.

FYI I picked up my Tahoe new in Hempstead, TX in Oct 96. Moved to NC in 97. Been here ever since.

 

[fastpat]

Yep, it's time for a new one or a good rebuild. New ones of higher output are, in my opinion, the way to go. Make sure your output cables are in good condition.

 

[liquify33]

Good suggestion. The idler was screaming about 2 months ago so I replaced it. But the alternator was already making some noise, less than the idler, but now it is the loud mouth. I did pull the belt and hand spun the alternator today and it was not happy, considerable bearing noise. 180,000 miles and almost 20 years and I can't blame it for wanting to retire.

FYI I picked up my Tahoe new in Hempstead, TX in Oct 96. Moved to NC in 97. Been here ever since.

Neat! I work in Hempstead occasionally.
FYI the 140amp has a 4pin connector. Not sure what the 105 has.

 

[Tahoe97]

Just installed the ACDelco alternator part # 335-1068 GM#88877278 (105A). Once I had the old one out it thanked me. The bearings were shot and it made lots of noise with a simple rotation of the pulley. The new one is silent. THANKS EVERYONE WHO ENCOURAGED ME TO TACKLE THIS MYSELF AND GUIDE ME TO THE CORRECT REPLACEMENT. DELIVERED BY AMAZON PRIME IN 48 HOURS FOR JUST UNDER $100.

 

[OR VietVet]

"On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again".

Like the looks of that charging gauge.

 

[wjburken]

"On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again".

Like the looks of that charging gauge.

Love Willie.

Here is why Willie couldn't wait to get on the road again.

 

[OR VietVet]

Fantastic!