92 Buick Century 3.3L -alternator

[Richard STL]

142k miles, alternator has already been replaced by others (at least once)
Battery seems to be going dead quickly when I leave a door open or the dome light on.

I took it to an O'Reilly's, they checked the battery it was ok. Then checked the alternator and said it was only generating about 50 amps and that it was going bad. Since I was out of town I said I would do it when I got home. At home I took it to another O'Reilly's and asked them to check the alternator again. It was generating about 46 amps but the technician said it was good.

What gives? Was the first technician just trying to get me to buy an alternator?

Thanks,
Richard

[crank.it]

hi richard-I would say that your alt should be way above 50 amps...do you have all the power stuff on your century...if so 80 amps to 120 should be found....ask the oreilly dealer what a new alt puts out then make the decission based on that....crank.it

[jgate]

Your Buick with the 3.3 should take the 100amp alternator.So at only
producing 50 amps, I would say you do need a new alternator.
100% New Components For Long Life
Attributes
Alternator Amperage : 100 Amp
Pulley Type : 6
Voltage Regulator Type : Internal

Warranty
24 Months
Rotating Electric Warranty

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
There is no MSDS for this item
Application Information: 1992 Buick Century
Engines : 3.3 L 204 CID V6
Comments: 1st Production
1

[gacyota]

I agree with the others, if the alternator is producing less than 50 amps it should get replalced.

Richard STL Wrote:What gives? Was the first technician just trying to get me to buy an alternator?

Richard

These guys are not 'technicians' they are parts guys. A lot of them do know how to work on cars, but not all of them. If your car showed up at my store, i would have recommended replacing the alternator if it was only pushing 50 amps.