Used factory alternator or aftermarket? If its factory and cheap enough, it might not be a bad idea to have laying around.

Working at Ford for the last 6 years, I've seen alternators last 200k and some take a shit after 20k. Just luck of the draw.

EDIT: I just noticed you're asking about your zetec in the duratec forum. Might try the zetec threads, but what I said goes for the zetec. I have seen as early as 20k on a duratec though.

 

I just noticed you're asking about your zetec in the duratec forum. Might try the zetec threads, but what I said goes for the zetec. I have seen as early as 20k on a duratec though.

I have a 2.3L Duratec engine. [race]

Good info. Just luck of the draw huh? Yeah, I might pick it up then.. Think I'll just box it up and stuff it in my garage somewhere. Save it for a rainy day.

 

I'm just breaking in my 4th one recently at 92k mi. 2 were aftermarket, one of them was a bearing failure. Zetec though.

 

I've had mixed results with alternators. The Ford units should last about 100k or more. I've had aftermarket ones die after 15k, but some are better than others.

If it's cheap enough I would go over to a shop that does automotive electric work and have them go through it. They usually do a better job that the chain stores.

 

The alternator went at 58,000 miles on my 2.3L Duratec Focus with no electrical add-ons, and around 180,000 on my 2.0L SPI Escort with subs in it for about 4 years. So I agree that it's just luck of the draw.

How much is the guy asking? If it's really cheap, I'd pick it up. Have it tested at Autozone, or wherever, to make sure he isn't selling you a junk alt.

 

They made the 2.3 in 03? Either way, luck of the draw. How much does he want for it?

 

2003 Duratecs were limited to only California (I think). But yes, I have one and I love it!

$35. I'll be sure to have it tested too!

 

^^yes, the 2.3L debuted in mid-03

Egz's 200whp monster is/was an 03

 

and NY, and Maine, and all other green states.

 

$35 isn't bad at all - add in $75 or so to have it professionally rebuilt and you have a good alternator for a fraction of the cost of a chain reman'd unit.

 

Mine failed at 35k. The battery crapped out 1k later. Luck of the draw, i guess. My 02 never had any alternator issues.

 

I am still on my original alternator and had it tested a month ago and they said that it was still doing fine too. Just like with any electronic or mechanical devices. Sometimes you get the winners and other times you get the duds.

 

I suppose there is an average life expectancy for these things.........my guess would be around 75K.