Alternators -w/ delco or w/ Bosch alt?

[Mossyoakglock]

So I think I need a new alt. had the battery replaced last week since it was dead and today on the way home from work I noticed the volt gauge go to almost the 3/4 mark which would be about 16 volts. I assume it's the alt overcharging. We tested the charging system after installing the new battery and everything came back ok.

I was looking at them online and noticed some say with Delco alternator and some say with Bosch alternator. Does that mean it is basically either an AC Delco or Bosch alt with a different manufactures casing? Any one to stay away from? Will prob replace this weekend with from AAP, etc.

 

My second question is can I replace my 145 amp with the 160 amp? All the 145's are remans and the 160's are new and I'd rather put on a new as as opposed to a reman unit.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Mossyoakglock

[r1byker]

Have it tested; seems kinda early for an alternator to go bad.

[Mossyoakglock]

That's my plan. Going to have it tested again and see. I just happened to look down and the needle was a good bit over the 14 volt mark and stayed there the whole way home (30-40 min drive).

[Mossyoakglock]

What does it mean when it says with delco or Bosch alternator?

[mike94silverado]

have it tested... Its more likely to have gotten a bad battery off the shelf than having the alternator go bad.... as far as the replacement, I'd just go with one from whatever parts store that's convienient with the best warranty....

[Chris]

Looks like the Bosch has a smaller case

[Mossyoakglock]

I did notice that.

 

I was thinking that it basically meant that it was basically the same internally as a delco alternator but was branded as something else.

[Mossyoakglock]

Well it looks like my alt is bad. Here are two pictures of the gauge today. Both were taken at idle but it did the same thing while driving. It wouldn't fluctuate quickly but at random. I would look down and its dead on 14 then look down about 5 minutes later and its a good bit below 14.. I tested it with a volt meter I have at the house and the highest number I got was about 15.1 and the lowest was about 12.4 (this was at idle) on the same trip. Then went to Advance and had them test it. The voltage was only running high when we tested it at about 15.1 (same as I got) but it never dropped below 14 at Advance (it did it again on the way home though).

 

I'm thinking it's the voltage regulator in the alt but I'll replace the whole thing. The good thing is that I won't be driving my truck for 2 weeks starting tomorrow so I can replace it when I get back since the part won't be here before we leave. I'll just pick up a new AC Delco from Rockauto for $157 vs. AAP (ToughOne) for a remaned for almost $190.

 

I did notice that my truck has the DR44 alt (KG3 RPO) on it now but the 145 amp on Rockauto and AC Delco's part site has the DR44 as the 160 and DR37 as the 145. Mine is stamped with 145 A. Did they change the casings at some point or does that even matter?

Edited January 18, 2014 by Mossyoakglock

[Chris]

Pick up the 160

[Mossyoakglock]

So I actually have the 160 and not the 145? The alt is stamped with 145 on the housing? Even if it does have the 145 will going to the AC Delco 160 hurt?

[Chris]

The 160 will not hurt anything. Hell I went from a 105 to a 300

[Mossyoakglock]

Thanks. I guess it won't make a different since all would put out the same voltage which is more important than the amps, correct?

[Chris]

yes

[txab]

Have you ever had it tested with something other than a VOM?

[HOWIE HERRINGDINE]

How can I tell if I have an ac Delco or a Bosch alternator buy looking at it on my engine?