Hi again!

Another question about my 1997 3.0 CL.

The voltage regulator is broken (the battery light comes on >4k RPM). Am I correct to assume that the voltage regulator is actually part of the alternator and not separate?

Also, is it worth the trouble trying to replace the alternator myself?
It seems really hard to get to. If it takes me a day to change it I'd rather pay a mechanic than save a buck or two.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Andre

Edited for spelling.

 

the alternator can be done in like 2 hours, someone has scanned the pages from the helms manual on here, search for them and it'll make it real easy

 

well at 90 bucks an hour. They would more than likely charge ya 2 hours to do it. SO is 180 bucks worth your time?

 

Well, called the dealer. He quoted me ~$400 installed.

I've found an alternator online for $144 shipped.
Is that a good price?

I think for $250, I'll do it myself and invest the difference in beer to help me through it

 

Much better investment

 

pep boys had the alternator for my car for $100

 

a year ago the cheapest 3.0 alternator I could find locally was $180... they're known for goin bad too. Not too bad to change... change the belt while you're at it too if its never been changed... just one of those "might as wells".

 

How much is involved in changing the alt, just remove the belt unbolt and replace with new belt? Do you have to tension the belt or anything? I've changed alts on old ass fords but never my 3.0, I had a shop change mine, but I wanna upgrade to a higher output alt and debating if I can do it myself or pay someone

 

if you've done them before you can do this one... its more or less a matter of getting things out of your way. Im a little rusty as to exactly how it was done... but its fairly simple, just slightly time consuming (for an alternator).

 

Right on, I have the helm's 3.0 manual I'll check it out b4 i decide for sure if I can do it or not, but you're right, I think it's just a matter of things bein in the way.