www.iFourWinns.com

Is there a way to bench check an alternator for bearing noise? l have a 2000 H230 with 5.7 l V8 350
GSI engine.
Fixer.5

You can use a mechanics stethoscope or just remove the belt and spin the pulley to feel for roughness in the bearing. It should be perfectly smooth.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

If you decide to replace it, you must use a Marine Alternator, not an Automotive Alternator.

For my 2000 Horizon 240 (1996-1999 type model) with VP 5.7GS:
I ordered a new alternator from http://www.rareelectrical.com
AC165618 M59819
Back in Aug 2013 it was $77.48 Great price.

I don't know if your model is the same, but they were able to cross reference numbers from my old alternator (sorry, I don't have those numbers anymore).

Ray

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Another good source is Arco Marine

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Thanks to all for your replies. I'll check for the play in the pulley. If necessary I'll look at the web sites
You mentioned.
Fixer.5

You might check with your local auto parts store on whether they can test the alternator. If you need to change the alternator, absolutely use a marine alternator.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

I had mine rebuilt due to the expense of replacing it. That only cost about $65 3 years ago, so that may be an option for you as well.

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1990 Four Winns Horizon 200
2005 GMC Sierra

If you have a local alternator/starter repair guy, they can be very worthwhile. About 5 years ago, I had a starter rebuilt for an Aprilia Motorcycle. The new OEM replacement would have been north of $600 but was only $40 to rebuild.

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NEW - 2000 Cobalt 246 w/454 Magnum 385HP | SOLD - 2000 FW Horizon 180 LS w/5.0Gi 250HP Volvo Penta

After you install a new or rebuilt alt, always check the charging voltage at the battery with a digital voltmeter. The reason why I say this is because your dash gauge may read lower than the actual charging rate. On our boat my dash gauge would read 13V or a little higher but at the battery I was getting 15.5V! This was probably due to 2 different problems, that had the same cause, resistance in old wiring. On the OMC wiring harness, the alternator S wire (voltage sensing) comes from the ignition wiring circuit and over time, resistance can build up in some of the connections. So what happens is that this wire brings a lower than true reading on the actual charging rate of the batteries to the alt, which results in the alt raising its charging rate but that can over charge the battery. The dash gauge may read low for the same reason, resistance in old wiring. When I checked the voltage at the sense wire it was 9-10V whereas the batts were at 12.5. I got this information from Arco Electric. They advised not using the sense wire and instead installing a jumper wire from the large B+ terminal on the alt, to the S terminal on the alt. This will basically read batt voltage because the large B+ if you follow it back it terminates on the B+ (large terminal) on the starter solenoid which of course is connected to the battery or battery switch. After doing this, I got 14.2V at idle. So don't rely only on that dash gauge!

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Another good source that I have purchased several alternators and starters from thru the years is http://www.dbelectrical.com/
Just another option to check for pricing.

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The Dance II
2007 278 Vista
6.2L Mercruiser

Now that sounds like an honest shop.

We used to rebuild them ourselves all the time. Getting the pulley off is the hardest part of the whole job (and with the tools many people have on hand these days, that isn't hard either). New bearings, regulator, diode pack, brushes, and recondition the commutator - 2-hour job. It's criminal what they charge for a rebuilt alternator, marinized or not.

Glory days...

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

They have been in business for a long time and recently moved to a larger building. With that said, the starter didn't need a complete rebuild. The positive power post spun causing an internal wire to detach. He was able to take make that repair with a stern warning not to over-tighten. I'm just glad I didn't have to buy a new one.

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NEW - 2000 Cobalt 246 w/454 Magnum 385HP | SOLD - 2000 FW Horizon 180 LS w/5.0Gi 250HP Volvo Penta