Kolshak

Seems like there was a rash of alternator problems recently. I have been checking prices for several days and found rebuilt alternators for MY01 6-spds at sunset porsche for $419.00. Not bad considering I've been quoted up to $1,100.
http://www.sunsetimports.com/infohour.php?&search=ppa
Hopefully I'm not breaking any rules by posting links to non-sponsers but if so I suspect the post will be deleted quickly.

Pugnacious P

I sent them an email and I tried to call, no response from email, and phone call resulted in will you hold,m and I hung up after 5 long minutes... Oh well, thanks anyway

slaaw

That's surprising since the guys at Sunset are usually very prompt and responsive, at least from my experience in dealing with them.

Kolshak

I've never had to hold more then a couple minutes but the emails usually take a day or two.
Give them another chance - you must have caught them at a real busy time.
Good luck

Chuck Jones

I'm very surprised that you've had a difficult time. Call Sunset and ask for Jeff Clark...he's been absolutely great. He goes above and beyond to be helpful. I can't say enough good things about Sunset. Give them another try....I'm sure it was just a bad hair day for them.

Chuck

Mfletch

I bought mine off e-bay from a Porsche shop in the southern part of our state for about $150 ( I know, the price should have been my first clue). It was supposed to be new. It didn't look new and it didn't work. It sure was a great price though. The second one that they sent me (I prepaid for it) didn't look new either. It also didn't work. I finally bought one locally for about $380 rebuilt....it works great and was a whole lot less than the dealers price of $900+

gota911

Ubermensch

I found one at Advance Auto Parts (rebuilt bosch with lifetime warranty) for $390. Make sure to pay attention to the pulley options (with or without freewheel lock).

an02boxster

Has anyone ever tried an auto electric repair shop I have had many very expensive starters, alternators, blower motors etc. rebuilt for usually under $100.

Mfletch

Ubermensch, could you please tell me what the freewheel lock is...I saw it on some engines that I took parts off. I couldn't figure out why some had it and others did not. If I recall correctly it was in the center of the alternator pulley and looked like the center of a gear. My engine was burnt so badly when I got my car, I could not tell if my car originally had it. Mine is a tip. The dealer never seemed to know what I was talking about when I asked about it. Thanks, Mark.

Ubermensch

I took some pictures that I'd be happy to share, unfortunatetly I won't be able to get to them until Monday. Essentially its just the item holding your pulley on the shaft. The non-freewheel lock versions basically just have a nut holding the pulley on see: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...e=post&id=5411

The free wheel lock versions have a 24 tooth (iirc) locking nut that requires a special tool to remove. Basically, you can't just hold the pulley still, you have to hold this locking nut while you loosen it.

Mfletch

Ubermensch, thanks. Do you have any idea what cars used the free wheel lock and why?

Ubermensch

Not sure...I have a 2001 C4 6 speed. It seems like it's a year and transmission thing, but I'm honestly not sure.

jmla

I'm in the process of having my OEM 150 Amp Bosch alternator rebuilt. My car has a manual trans but the alternator has a fixed type pulley (like for a Tip), should I have the electric shop change-out my pulley for a clutch type with bearings? I've read that it is more efficient and will extend the life of the unit.

C4CRNA

I've never seen a clutch type pulley on an alternator. Do you have a picture of yours?