APU Tri-pac not charging batteries

Ok, the part number is correct, 213-4530f. it goes to a 94-96 Chevy impala I called and the first response I got was it went to a Mitsubishi eclipse but the clerk must have had a typo. So I called Ohio Automotive supply 800.472.6683 where I got the alternator and they gave me the right make, model and year. There are 2 alternators that go to this car a 105 amp and a 120-140 amp 213-4607f. I believe that if you really have to have the 140 amp, you might have to go to Chevy. Napa has them both listed on the same part number. The two main hurdles you will have are the ground wire on the alternator. It comes with a 10 mm bolt on the Thermo king unit and a 13 mm on the A/C Delco unit. The other is the belt tensioner the Thermo king unit has a 5/16 bolt and the A/C Delco has a 3/8. Other than having to put a washer under the fan to keep it from hitting the housing it really went together very well.

 

I found the best way to tighten the belt since you have to have both bottom covers off anyway is to get it where there is about 1/4 inch of push on the belt, meaning you can push the belt 1/4, then start the unit. if you can see the belt jumping stop the unit and give it a few more turns. i don't think the tensioner bolt will let you go too far, the alternator hitting the back panel of the unit. you just have to keep doing this for a while, every week or so till it stays tight.

 

Just left Napa in Minnesota, had a day to check all of the things I told you out. This morning I had to go to Thermo King, the A/C bracket had a crack in it and I was worried that it would break at the wrong time, anytime. After a few minuets the Tech rolled out on his creeper and asked about the Alternator, but lost interest in seconds since I already had the new A/c bracket on the APU. It turned out that the part I needed was already in shipment and would have to wait till tomorrow to get it installed, and I had the rest of the day to get the truck inspected (Annual) and fix what was needed, then it was to Napa. I wanted to change the plastic pulley for the steel on the Chevy. The parts clerk gave me two options, to take the pulley off and exchange the alternator with a new one of the same kind or if I wanted to exchange it for the 140 amp which he could have there in and hour. Hummmm. Ok I waited the hour, pulled all the batteries off and took them in and had them load tested while I waited for the 140 amp alternator. The batteries were all 950 CCA and the first one tested at 12.8 volts and had 2 amps in it. The second had 12.6 volts and 62 amps, the third had 12.6 volts and 650 amps, the last one had 12.4 volts and 850 amps. After replacing the batteries and cleaning the terminals and hooking up all the wires, the alternator showed up, Sorry didn't fit. No way. Exchanged the two pulleys, hooked everything up, started the APU and put a tub of water in the microwave, 700 watts. The voltage on the inverter was 12.8 volts, after 10 minutes, the voltage was bouncing between 11.9 and 11.8 no alarms sounded and there was no sign of it dropping further. The only thing that I had to change was the belt it's now a 60470.

 

Great news!...so if you change the belt size, do you still have an issue with the alt hitting the side panel? Whats the price for the NAPA alternator? Did you check for pricing any place else? Your thread has been very helpful and informative. Thank you.

 

not hitting yet, still new. the alt was 128.00, and the belt was 20.00. I checked a couple of places, autozone, (don't buy there parts are crap.), pep boys ( get A/C delco). use to work there. always get the name brand. the others have a much higher return rate.

 

Planning on installing the NAPA part...$128 for the 140amp is a great price vs. TK $500. Do you know how much more is NAPA charging for no core? The only other concern I have is the wiring compatibility between TK and NAPA.

 

Give them a call yourself. Wouldn't hurt a dang thing if everyone one of us did the same... They already have the stock alternators, but I forgot to ask pricing.

Purchased an Alternator from them last week. $189 plus shipping, had it next day. Local Volvo dealer wanted $350 and didnt even have the dern thing in stock!

 

be careful the 140 amp hit the mounting brackets on the engine, i settled for the 105 amp, i haven't been able to check with the new mounting brackets they are made of steel and look like they have a lot more room and are a lot stronger.

 

the core was $5.00

 

if i had to make a check list.

1. check your batteries. the conections, load test them, most places auto parts stores will check them for free if you take them out of the truck. Its a little hand held device so if you disconnect them they might walk out and check them. Clean the cables, make sure their tight when you put them back on. use good fastners, mine came with plastic nuts with inserts couldn't get them tight enough and replaced them with brass nuts.

2. Get the belt tight, maybe a 1/4 inch of play.

3. Have the alternator checked. I haven't found a place that knows just what to do with it but I would hook it up like the a/c delco. One wire is the voltage sense, and the other is the idiot light. When I did change the alternator the voltage sense wire was worn through the insulation and it may have touched some metal on the frame but I found that way after I had changed the alternator and was very happy that it was charging. Remember if you do change the alternator you have to use the thermoking fan on the alternator. it rotates in the reverse direction.