How To: High Output AD244 Alternator for ~$80

[djj00000]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

Picture of the actual alternator? Or a link to the ebay auction would prolly work as well.

Here ya go

[B_Rich]

Ohh!! I've seen that alt before!

*sigh*

Ok..... here is my background with that alternator. airnathan over at Zr2USA bought one of these from cknaffle through a group purchase. He was told that the alternator had low mileage (which it did in fact have low mileage) but he couldn't get the thing to work how he wanted it to. I remember this because I was like "are you sure it's a genuine AC Delco AD244?" and he was like "well no, it has DR44 stamped right on the case" and I was baffled by this because it was a 145A alternator.... it just wasn't an AD244 (it very well could be an AD244, but it wasn't the same AD244 that I've known to love).

Now..... that alternator may very well work for your application. But please do have caution that it MIGHT not work (meaning you won't get the output that you want out of it). The only reason I say this is because airnathan over on Zr2USA had this same problem and we couldn't figure out why it was acting up on him (bad output).

So, take the install with a grain of salt knowing that you could potentially have problems. I'm not saying that it won't work, just saying that there is definitely a possibility that it isn't what you're looking for.

Sorry man

[djj00000]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

Ohh!! I've seen that alt before!

*sigh*

Ok..... here is my background with that alternator. airnathan over at Zr2USA bought one of these from cknaffle through a group purchase. He was told that the alternator had low mileage (which it did in fact have low mileage) but he couldn't get the thing to work how he wanted it to. I remember this because I was like "are you sure it's a genuine AC Delco AD244?" and he was like "well no, it has DR44 stamped right on the case" and I was baffled by this because it was a 145A alternator.... it just wasn't an AD244 (it very well could be an AD244, but it wasn't the same AD244 that I've known to love).

Now..... that alternator may very well work for your application. But please do have caution that it MIGHT not work (meaning you won't get the output that you want out of it). The only reason I say this is because airnathan over on Zr2USA had this same problem and we couldn't figure out why it was acting up on him (bad output).

So, take the install with a grain of salt knowing that you could potentially have problems. I'm not saying that it won't work, just saying that there is definitely a possibility that it isn't what you're looking for.

Sorry man

Thats what I was afraid of. I was just doing some google searchs about it and ran across this


"The two systems are not cross-compatible. Both systems receive a modulated signal back from the regulator, but that does not mean that the signal is the same.

The PCM provides a PWM signal on the regulator input, and reads the field duty cycle as well as system voltage to adjust charging with the DR44G alternator.

Your older AD244 is managed in a similar fashion, but the old regulator still has the capability to run without feedback - that is why you could make it start with a jumper to B+ ( I strongly recomend a current limiting resistor in that jumper circuit!)"


I assume dr44g is the same is the dr44 that I got. I don't completely understand what this guy is saying, but the just of it seems to be that it wont work. lol. That sucks.

[B_Rich]

Yeah that makes sense. I was guessing that for some reason the DD44 alternator wouldn't be compatable with our PCM's, while the AD244 would bolt right up.

Do you happen to know what vehicle the DD44 alternator that you bought came off of?

I'll be on later this afternoon after class.

[B_Rich]

Oh and if the alternator does in fact NOT work for you, I'll be sure to have it included in the OP to clarify that you shouldn't buy the DD44 alternator.

Sorry if that sounded harsh lol, but I only call it a mistake if you don't learn from it

If you could give us some voltage readings, amperage readings would be great too, of the DD44 alternator installed on your truck, that would just be awesome. Use a DMM, not the volt meter on your gague.

Thanks man

[djj00000]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

Yeah that makes sense. I was guessing that for some reason the DD44 alternator wouldn't be compatable with our PCM's, while the AD244 would bolt right up.

Do you happen to know what vehicle the DD44 alternator that you bought came off of?

I'll be on later this afternoon after class.

No. The auction had a list of different vehicles it would fit and the vehicles and years were all on the list from the link for the ad244 so I figured it would be right. Heres the auction

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3AIT&viewitem=

[B_Rich]

I see.... well I guess the only thing you can do is install it and try it out.

The alternator will naturally put out more when cold than when warm, so keep that in mind before you decide to keep the alternator or not.

Good luck.

[djj00000]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

I see.... well I guess the only thing you can do is install it and try it out.

The alternator will naturally put out more when cold than when warm, so keep that in mind before you decide to keep the alternator or not.

Good luck.

I've been messaging the eBay seller back and forth this afternoon about this and he says that they are essentially the same and that he has actually sold this alternator to a few other guys doing the same thing as me and they have all had good luck with it. He also offered to swap it out with an actual ad244 for me if I like. I figure I will give this one a shot next week and see what happens, if I have any issues I will just swap it out with the ad244 from him.

As far as seeing how it works goes I should basically just check the voltage once its installed and see how high it is at idle cold and once warmed up, right? If it is in similar ranges to what was shown earlier it should be good, right? Is there anything else I should be watching for?

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by djj00000

I've been messaging the eBay seller back and forth this afternoon about this and he says that they are essentially the same and that he has actually sold this alternator to a few other guys doing the same thing as me and they have all had good luck with it. He also offered to swap it out with an actual ad244 for me if I like. I figure I will give this one a shot next week and see what happens, if I have any issues I will just swap it out with the ad244 from him.

As far as seeing how it works goes I should basically just check the voltage once its installed and see how high it is at idle cold and once warmed up, right? If it is in similar ranges to what was shown earlier it should be good, right? Is there anything else I should be watching for?

Exactly.

Just take a DMM to the battery and see what the voltage readout is. 14.4v is what you're looking for. You'll probably be at 14.7-14.9 when it's cold.

[djj00000]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

Exactly.

Just take a DMM to the battery and see what the voltage readout is. 14.4v is what you're looking for. You'll probably be at 14.7-14.9 when it's cold.

Easy enough, thanks for the help. I'll post what happens next week after I finish.

[B_Rich]

Sounds good man.

[Sherk]

What's the real difference between the older style 4-pin plug AD244, the new ('05-06 up) 2-pin plug, and the DR44G?

Shouldn't it all be in the voltage regulator? I scored an '07 DR44G alternator with the 2-pin plug for free today, I do work on the guy's computer network and built a few machines for him. We both think I should be able to take the alternator apart and swap out the voltage regulator (both units look the same, diff. plug, we looked online). The cover won't work correctly, so I can either trim it or try and find one...

I think I'm going to try it. I found some regs for ~$50 shipped, which will be cheaper than any of the other yards around here (they all want $120+ for the 145A version). The my "good" yard doesn't have any older ones available...

[Stephen_C]

Quote: Originally Posted by eriley

Did gearstix ever try this out on his 2.2?

i have a 2.2 cavalier and they fit no problem, all you need is a longer bolt and a nut. This is the 2, cavalier 2.2 on top ad244 on bottom.





4.3 alt is very similar to the 2.2. you can see why you need a longer belt when you switch to a ad244

[Kampz69]

just did this over the weekend in my 99 Blazer, along with the big three upgrade (only 4ga, thats all i had on hand). bought a "new" 145 amp alt off ebay (looks like a reman to me), and it appears to be a AD244. $95 shipped and includes a one year warranty. there are no markings on the case except for the "delphi automotive systems" or whatever printing on the front. i havent stuck the DMM on it yet but the gauge is above 14v at cold start and settles right at 14 after warm.

i did take the alt to autozone to have it tested before i installed it. the ebay auction listed it for an 04 H2, so thats what i told the guy at autozone. he didnt give me readings, but he said it passed all the tests...so i guess thats good.

[Kampz69]

forgot to add that i used a 96" belt also, fits perfect. Duralast part #960K6 at autozone.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by Kampz69

just did this over the weekend in my 99 Blazer, along with the big three upgrade (only 4ga, thats all i had on hand). bought a "new" 145 amp alt off ebay (looks like a reman to me), and it appears to be a AD244. $95 shipped and includes a one year warranty. there are no markings on the case except for the "delphi automotive systems" or whatever printing on the front. i havent stuck the DMM on it yet but the gauge is above 14v at cold start and settles right at 14 after warm.

i did take the alt to autozone to have it tested before i installed it. the ebay auction listed it for an 04 H2, so thats what i told the guy at autozone. he didnt give me readings, but he said it passed all the tests...so i guess thats good.

Good to hear man. I've had a couple people I know have some problems with the reman AD244's, so keep your stock alternator close by just in case. Hopefully you don't run into the same problems, but just letting you know.

[Kampz69]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

Good to hear man. I've had a couple people I know have some problems with the reman AD244's, so keep your stock alternator close by just in case. Hopefully you don't run into the same problems, but just letting you know.

yea i was well aware of that after reading this thread. i figured it wasnt going to hurt trying this one. plus, as you have said, if it fails it can be rebuilt even better. so, if this one goes out after a year, i wouldnt mind paying for a quality rebuild at that time. good thread, thanks for all the info!

[Masta Squidge]

Quote: Originally Posted by Kampz69

just did this over the weekend in my 99 Blazer, along with the big three upgrade (only 4ga, thats all i had on hand). bought a "new" 145 amp alt off ebay (looks like a reman to me), and it appears to be a AD244. $95 shipped and includes a one year warranty. there are no markings on the case except for the "delphi automotive systems" or whatever printing on the front. i havent stuck the DMM on it yet but the gauge is above 14v at cold start and settles right at 14 after warm.

i did take the alt to autozone to have it tested before i installed it. the ebay auction listed it for an 04 H2, so thats what i told the guy at autozone. he didnt give me readings, but he said it passed all the tests...so i guess thats good.

Id be careful... STOCK the meter on my dash sits a bit over 14v when warm. i would say 14.2 or 3v and id venture a 14.5 guess when cold.

But voltage isnt amperage, and thats not the only thing we are worried about here. Granted, a higher voltage IS better for an amp, but if the amperage isnt there... its a moot point.

[Kampz69]

i only mentioned that as a reference since I didnt compare voltages with a DMM between the stock alt and the new one. ill have a look at it with my DMM to see the exact numbers. i dont have my amp (alpine pdx-5) installed yet, but that would be the only amperage thristy (its got two 30 amp fuses) thing i will have added.

[djj00000]

So I got the DR44 alternator installed and so far so good.



When it was cold it was putting out around 14.4-14.6v. I let it warm up a bit and the voltage dropped slightly but was still above 14v (14.2/14.3v). Then my e-fan (lt1/ls1 fans) kicked on and the voltage dropped to about 14v, still WAY better then its ever been. That was also with my stereo cranked up and the headlights on.

So I think this alternator is going to be good, I let the truck run for about a half hour and everything seemed to be operating well. I'm gonna carry my old alternator, the old belt and the tools to change it in the truck for a couple days, just in case there are any problems.

Thanks for the help getting all of this sorted.

[B_Rich]

No problem man, that alternator looks great on there. I'm glad to hear that you got things working the way you wanted.

[Hostility_FMX]

does anyone know the size or part number of the belt that is needed for sure? or is it still a trail and error thing?

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hostility_FMX

does anyone know the size or part number of the belt that is needed for sure? or is it still a trail and error thing?

Quote: Originally Posted by Kampz69

forgot to add that i used a 96" belt also, fits perfect. Duralast part #960K6 at autozone.

[Mr.woodscrewsNbondo]

will the AD244 fit a 2.2

[Stephen_C]

Quote: Originally Posted by dustin42069

will the AD244 fit a 2.2

ill let you know friday morning

[B_Rich]

[Hostility_FMX]

lol thanks vortec my selective hearing is starting to turn into selective reading lol

[Gimp]

Quote: Originally Posted by ColinMc

I have some pics finally! They are big so be warned...

Here's the wiring "kit" looks to have a monster fuse, and comes with battery terminal extender thingies...as well as a new ground wire:




Here is the alternator, not sure if these pics help at all...but it is a dead on match for the standard AD244 when I compare it. Clock position, plug type, mounting holes...you name it:

Colin, by chance did you buy a new belt from napa with this application. I have an 01 4.3 and Im looking for part numbers. ive seen a few brands and p/n's in this thread but figured id chance asking you

[B_Rich]

96" belt seems to be the popular one. I would start there.

[slammedspirit]

does any one know what size belt would be needed for a truck that the ac comp is removed from.?

[Kampz69]

Quote: Originally Posted by slammedspirit

does any one know what size belt would be needed for a truck that the ac comp is removed from.?

assuming a stock non-a/c belt is 87.2 inches, try one that is 88.2...

gatorback #4060882
duralast #882K6

no idea if those will work, but they are a inch longer than the stock non-a/c belt...

[Stephen_C]

bolted on just fine on my 2200 cavalier


large case looks huge in there


stock alt


ad244 on and charging


size comparison

[B_Rich]

That alternator sticks out like a sore thumb...... that's awesome lol

[Hostility_FMX]

2005 gmc and chev 145 amp alts def bolt up the same, just called a scrap yard and found 3, and he said they all bolt up different from 99-05, i told him i had a list of years they fit and he says he didnt care they all bolt up different. can some one confirm this, so i dont drive all the way and find out it wont fit. the guy was a real dick and it would be funny to prove him wrong.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hostility_FMX

2005 gmc and chev 145 amp alts def bolt up the same, just called a scrap yard and found 3, and he said they all bolt up different from 99-05, i told him i had a list of years they fit and he says he didnt care they all bolt up different. can some one confirm this, so i dont drive all the way and find out it wont fit. the guy was a real dick and it would be funny to prove him wrong.

If it's an AD244, it will bolt right up, plug right in, and you need a ~1" longer belt.

It will work, I promise, just as long as it's an AD244. Print out a picture or two for comparison, then see if the real one matches the one in the picture. The guy at the junkyard is a ****ing douchebag and is just pissed cause he has no life to go home to at 6 o clock that night and feels the need to TRY and prove other people wrong just for the hell of it so he can feel better about himself.

Sorry for that rant, but I know exactly the kind of people who you are talking about, and they're a waste of space IMO.

Good luck getting the alternator, I'm sure you'll do just fine in finding it

[Hostility_FMX]

haha thanks man, after i hung up the phone i was pissed, lol, i cant stand people like that, but yea i know about the number i asked a few scrap yards about that number and they had no clue what i was talking about, if it doesnt have that number on it, i wont take it.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hostility_FMX

haha thanks man, after i hung up the phone i was pissed, lol, i cant stand people like that, but yea i know about the number i asked a few scrap yards about that number and they had no clue what i was talking about, if it doesnt have that number on it, i wont take it.

It won't have "AD244" stamped right on it, that's just the name of the design, but do look for the word: "DELPHI" that is engraved right on the case of the alternator. If it doesn't say DELPHI on it, then I would steer clear. I have yet to hear a decent thing about the "reman" AD244's. All 4 people that I know have had problems with them.

[Hostility_FMX]

oh ok, so is there any number on it to look for? or just hold it up to mine and check to see if it bolts the same?

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hostility_FMX

oh ok, so is there any number on it to look for? or just hold it up to mine and check to see if it bolts the same?

There really isn't a number to look for. There will be a "145A" engraved on the top of the case that you will see. I'll get a pic for ya.

Yeah you pretty much just need to recognize the alternator. I mean, it's pretty easy to see the difference between the two. Just make sure you know what it came off of (link in the original post) and print out a picture or two so you know what it looks like.

Here is the picture of the "145A"












^see how you can see the "DELPHI" that is just to the right of the pulley? If it doesn't have that engraved right on the case, then I would keep looking.

Good luck.

[Hostility_FMX]

awsome, thanks so much for the pics!!, ill for sure check for the 145a on it, and im hoping they will let me take it to my truck in the parking lot and compare them. as i dont have a printer lol but ill try and get one printed off. thanks!!

[loweredd]

The one I got from the same Ebay seller as listed above is a reman I'm afraid. It doesn't have the etched numbers in the case. When I get back home, I will put it on the Blazer and see what happens.

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by loweredd

The one I got from the same Ebay seller as listed above is a reman I'm afraid. It doesn't have the etched numbers in the case. When I get back home, I will put it on the Blazer and see what happens.

It should still work, it's just a matter of how long it will last under heavy loads. 2 of the 4 guys that I knew had pretty good size systems making the reman AD244 working pretty hard.

Btw, what part of Iowa are you from?

[loweredd]

Ah, OK. I sent them a question if I could exchange, I'll see what they say. The Blazer doesn't NEED one, just replacing the stocker with dry bearings. This is cheaper than buying a new reman.


I live in Struble.

[old_skool_noma]

Quote: Originally Posted by loweredd

The one I got from the same Ebay seller as listed above is a reman I'm afraid. It doesn't have the etched numbers in the case. When I get back home, I will put it on the Blazer and see what happens.

it probably does have the number etched into it, they arent deep and i didnt think they existed on mine either, but it cleaned mine up today with a tooth brush and some glass cleaner and when i wiped it off, i saw the numbers on it, im thinking about getting out some sand paper or something and getting it really smooth and maybe polish it

[B_Rich]

Quote: Originally Posted by old_skool_noma

it probably does have the number etched into it, they arent deep and i didnt think they existed on mine either, but it cleaned mine up today with a tooth brush and some glass cleaner and when i wiped it off, i saw the numbers on it, im thinking about getting out some sand paper or something and getting it really smooth and maybe polish it

Wait..... are you guys talking about the AD244 numbers? I didn't seen any on mine, but then again I never really looked for them. Who knows, they might be in a picture I've already posted

Do you have a pick of yours old skool?

[old_skool_noma]

Quote: Originally Posted by VoRtEcZr243

Wait..... are you guys talking about the AD244 numbers? I didn't seen any on mine, but then again I never really looked for them. Who knows, they might be in a picture I've already posted

Do you have a pick of yours old skool?

no i was talking about the 145A on it, i didnt see it when i bought it but i cleaned it up today and found it

[B_Rich]

Ah I see

[Hostility_FMX]

i just went to pick one up and they sold all 3 they had, now they said a local guy sells the 145amps alt brand new, but its some aftermarket company, and the guy said he doesnt know what company makes them for $150, or a local scrap yard has one off a 2004 yukon 145 amp for $100 plus tax!! what should i do, wait till i find a different one, because the place that had 3 sold them for $50!! should i buy my battery first then the alt, or def get an alt first?

[old_skool_noma]

just get the battery and then shop around for the alt, i got mine for 35ish

[Hostility_FMX]

i just checked the yukon with a 5.3l out in the driveway, and my alt and the one on the yukon look the same size. and i cant find numbers on both of them. so i dont know if the yukon has a small alt or my truck already has the bigger alt??