The endless game of swapping one garbage parts store alternator for yet another has run its course with me. Alternator on the Van died this morning on the way to work. Stopped at Walmart and grabbed a new battery since I knew it wasn't going to have enough juice to restart this afternoon and get me home. Ordered a powermaster 7509 from summit along with a proper voltage gauge.

The last two units had a break in the windings, this current one is less than 6 months 'old' and I suspect it will be much the same. There is only so much you 'rebuild' on the same core that has been 'rebuilt' probably a dozen times already.

Maybe it sounds silly, but I sent both of my Powermasters back. It sounded like there was a UFO under my hood and I couldn't take the sound. My 68 truck is pretty quiet so it may not be noticeable in something louder....

ive never had any luck with PM.

I've had my powermaster for about 8 years... No problem and works great.

Did some testing when I got home. junker started working again but as soon as you turn any load on besides the base load (engine running) it completely flat lined, barely 12 volts. Remembering I had a unknown used spare from a parts vehicle I juiced it with a battery and it fielded so I decided to swap them. Unknown used spare puts out a steady 14.4 volts whether its running with no load or full load. This thing has always charged a bit higher than I would like but I know the VR, alternator and battery are all grounded to eachother and talking the same so I accept that's just how its going to be. Took the 'reman' junker apart and found nothing besides the usual garbage inside. Fit for the trash can.

Way to early to give it any review on long term durability however I will say this thing thus far is impressing me. Not quite a Denso but its close enough for a 'drop in' improved part.

I had one on my wagon back when my wagon was my daily driver. As mentioned, output was GREATLY improved at lower speeds/idle. I think I had it on there for about 15K miles with no issues of its functioning.

The only issue I had was cosmetic. Back then, I think only a chromed version was available. It didn't take long for it to start peeling and flaking.

What sidelined the unit was a busted bolt. The bolt that hold belt tension snapped off when I went to change a belt one day. It was an original factory bolt too. I had had it in and out several times over the 15K miles with no apparent issues. Then, one day, with very little effort, *snap*. The days of the wagon being a daily driver were nearing an end, so I just put a stock unit back on.

I still have the powermaster unit. I keep saying one of these days I'll drill and tap the hole so I can use it again.