[chem_man]

I replaced the alternator in my 2004 TrailBlazer with a Duralast Gold brand new alternator (not a "new" remanufactured one) about 8 years ago and it is doing fine.

Do not purchase a remanufactured alternator if at all possible because the out of the box or shortly thereafter failure rate is around 50% regardless of the brand. At least the chances of purchasing a defective or soon to be defective new alternator is much lower (but still too high for my liking). This information comes from professional technicians and a couple of parts stores employees on another automotive related forum I also belong to.

Pretty much can guarantee that regardless of where purchased (NAPA, O'Reilly, Advance, Carquest, Autozone, etc,) all the brand new alternators are sourced from China by the companies that supply the parts stores.

My recommendation is to purchase a brand new alternator with the best price and warranty, and before you pay for the alternator, have the parts store put the alternator on their test machine and make sure it is not faulty.

Good Luck!

 

[chem_man]

OK on the alternator and pimple faced kid. I would imagine that those working today at both the AAP and AZ stores either did not know how to set the machine up, they were too busy (in their minds), or they were just plain lazy.

Good Luck tomorrow!

How much current does your solar panel trickle charger put out when in full sunlight?

 

[chem_man]

Glad you heeded your buddy's advice!

Thanks for the link for the solar trickle chargers.

I am looking for a 20 plus watt one so it will put out at least 1 amp into the battery for at least a grand total of 8 Amp Hours a day when it's sunny.

Good Luck with your alternator installation. It really is not that difficult of a job.