dysfunction26

I drove the car 5 days ago, everything seemed fine. I went to start it today and the battery was dead. I did not leave the lights on, I checked that first. I then jumped it, let it sit at idle for about 15 minutes, then drove it for about 15 minutes. Normally the volt meter would be at about the half way mark, but it never went above the second line. I then parked it and tried to start it, it cranked, but would not start. What could be the problem? It is a 91 LX hatchback 5.0. Is the battery not charging correctly, that leads me to believe it is the alternator, I am known to be wrong though. I replaced the battery and solenoid about 2 months ago and it has worked perfectly up to this point...please help!

SonicBlueFiveSlow

Take your alt and battery to AutoZone and have them tested, they do it free of charge.

89Mustangn00b

I agree with sonic. After that if its working correctly check your connections on the alternator when you hook it back up. If still not working check the cells in the batter that they have enough water in them, could be a bad battery.

dysfunction26

Thanks. Can anyone recommend a decent alternator? Are these from Summit any good, I do not want to spend more than $150?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-810304/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SU...P/?image=large

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFF-7068FBULL6G/

highway21

you can always upgrade to the sn95 alternator.. worked wonders with my car.

Tony71502

If you are doing the 130 amp upgrade it would be foolish not to get the PA performance one. It out performs stock 130 amp alternators like no tommorrow. And make sure to upgrade your alternator to solenoid wire, too.

dysfunction26

The PA alternators are a bit out of my price range. I took it to Kragen to have it tested and it failed. They said it was only putting out half of what it should have been. So, do the Summit alternators suck, they are 25 amps more than the stock alternator.

Tony71502

Summit brand stuff does a very poor job of detailing the related mods necessary when installing parts, this has been my experience with them. Any alternator putting out higher amperage than stock is good, but the modifications necessary to make it work properly may not be apparant. Do some research on whatever alternator you want to buy. With only a 90 amp alternator(supposedly convertibles came with 75 amp and the rest with 65 amp, but that's not proven) you will not have to change your solenoid to alternator wire, although it is recommended as the stock wire is barely adequate for the stock amperage. Chances are you will only have to modify the plug on the back of the alternator. Like I said, research it.

dysfunction26

I called Summit and they assured me the two alternators I wanted to buy would mount correctly, they are both 2g casing. He said I will have to use the pulley from my old alternator, because the new alternator is designed for a V belt, not a serpentine.

Tony71502

That works.

In case you ever decide to go to a 3g... don't change the pulley because it can potentially damage the internals and void the warranty.