After changing out the alternator with a Mean Green, which was more difficult than it should have been, I am rebuilding the old one.

Meet Bad Blue:



I would have it done, except I couldn't get the rear bearing. I found the front one locally, as well as a new regulator, which wasn't bad, but it's apart, so I replaced it. I just have to come up with that bearing. I couldn't even find it at McMaster-Carr.

If you couldn't find it at McMaster Carr, you might as well give up! haha

Mean blue Nice. McMaster Carr has been slippin lately. They didn't have a number of parts I needed during my last order. Still they have most everything else.

Alternator is done. Cost me about $60 in parts and, if I had the parts on hand, it would have taken me about an hour. I'm going to take it in to get it tested and make sure it works ok. It was really quite easy. Cheaper than a rebuild, but you could probably get one at a junk yard cheaper.

Yet, it won't be blue.

Did you paint it blue? Am I being dumb asking that question?

Yes, to both!

Well since you've already called me dumb...I'll just continue.

What does the alternator do?

Makes little electrons move so you can power your computer.

Alternater makes AC current at 14 volts.

Jeff you should invest in a book like this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/155297975X/ref=sib_dp_pt/002-2949124-5114455#reader-link

In all seriousness, the alternator powers all electrical items in the car and recharges the battery. The alternator produces ~14V DC and is limited by it's output in amps.

The batteries big responsibility is to get the car started in the morning. The power of the battery to move the starter motor is cranking amps. More cranking amp = more power.

This has been the only vehicle that I've ever cared about, so there is a lot of learning to do. But I'm game for it.

That's awesome. I have learned mostly the hardway. My first car was given to me, but it broke all the time. So I spent a lot of time fixing it.