Alternator experience on a V-10 circa 1999

[sCarycary]

So the RV is in the shop getting the AC worked on. The service manager says the alternator is acting funny. Gauge is bouncing around and it (the engine) died on them while working on the AC. I was wondering if anybody has changed their alternator before. I need to know which alternator to get and how much work is involved in replacing it. I will bring the RV home first and then do some diagnostics first. I'm doing my homework getting ready for the worst. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[ga traveler]

I always checked all the connections first. Many times it is a corroded or loose connection instead of a bad alt. If it is the alt. it is a rigid mount. not bad to change.

[sCarycary]

That's what I am hoping for. We didn't have any trouble before it went in for repair. They have been climbing around working on the AC system. I am guessing they knocked something loose.

[YC1]

Alternators rarely ACT Funny. Either they work or they don't. Loose connections or dirty ones will give you those types of symptoms. Battery terminal neglect is probably the top 5 problems we see in our service center for repair of two way radios. Clean and tighten everything and put a voltmeter across the battery. If you are seeing 13.5 volts or a bit higher with it running the alternator is ok. Alternators are really very simple devices.

[sirpurrcival]

Alternators are not that difficult to replace but they often can be repaired more cheaply rather than replaced which is the standard approach in many garages take. Trouble is finding someone to do it. Many times it is some kind of diode that has gone bad.