LUVTruck.com

So i was driving for a while and parked at my destination, and when i went back to my truck after 5 minutes, I turned it on and the GEN light went on and the truck started shaking as if it wanted to turn off. So I turned it off waited a couple minutes, turned it back on and left. As i was taking off the GEN light would dissapear slowly and come back on again when I would come to a complete stop and so forth, after a while of driving it completely dissapeared. Why do you guys think this happed? Btw my temp was like 3/4 high, could it have been that my engine was overheating? Help me out thanks.

This may not be important, but please tell us what you're driving.

On mine, and many others like mine, the "gen" light can indicate that your alternator brushes are wearing out. On mine, they can be replaced without removing the alternator from the engine. But again, I don't know what you're driving. Regardless, it sounds like the typical signs of an under-achieving alternator. That should not have anything to do with your engine running hot.

Jack

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'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.com
IsuzuPup.com

When the truck is not charging the fuel pump stops working, that is why it was shaking. It does sound like the alternator is going out. Many have found replacing the brushes will fix it but I don't just replace the brushes. If they are worn down that bad then the bearings have worn, the commutator that the brushes has wear etc. a quick check shows that for your 76 brushes are 7 bucks a peice and a complete alternator is $39.95 with a warranty from O'Reilly's.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

I drive a 1980 Chevy LUV

for a 80 the brush set is 5 bucks and two alternators are available, one at 29.99 and one at 39.99. For me it's cheap enough for a complete one.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

So a mechanic checked out my alternator, and it turns out it isn't my alternator thats messed up, since my truck turns right on, and also disconnected the negative wire on my battery and my alternator worked fine. He said it might of been my radiator being to old wich causes my engine to heat up wich makes my battery weak, would that make any sence?

Short answer: NO.

You should get the alternator tested. That makes sense.

Jack

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'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.com
IsuzuPup.com

Removing the negative cable while running does not tell you the amperage ot voltage that the alternater is capable of putting out. I personally would be a bit worried if I paid a mechanic and he did this as a test.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

Ok so i said screw it, and went ahead and bought myself the Ultima alternator part#14209 frm oreilly's it was 39.77 but i get 4.50 back when I return the core, so just to make sure this is the correct alternator to get for my truck right? Its a 1980 Chevy luv, Automatic with A/C. I'm asking because it was a lady who attended to me, and not to be a dick or anything but I felt like she didn't really know about cars.