Unknown strange engine noise

[A26B]

I cannot tell you what the difference is between the 3 alternators, other than price, but I can offer you some information regarding "rebuilt" components.

All rebuilt alternators are not created equal. Remy's plant is here in Edmond, OK. It's a huge place and a rather odd operation. I have been there on a couple of ocassions, to the sales dept & engineering. The do not sell direct and won't sell to me because of contracts with large parts chains which have stores locally.

I can tell you a story I was told by both an engineer and sales rep; Remy rebuilds for Autozone under their Duraguard brand and other chains, even including AC Delco. Remy has different levels of rebuild. It's not what the descriptions say, but rather what they do NOT say.

From the AC Delco alternator you linked to: Obsolete and damaged parts are replaced with OEM components or high-quality, new aftermarket parts. Plus all ACDelco Alternators and Starters are remanufactured with 100% new bearings, bushings, and brushes.

Note that the description does not mention the rectifier or regulator. Even "lifetime" warranty grades are just tested for function. If they are within spec, in the box they go, no matter how old it is. I understand that new parts can fail too, but I would prefer to at least start with new components rather than a 20 year old part, regardless of whether it carries a "lifetime" warranty. Not worth the trouble to have another failure, remove, exchange and replace.

I recommend that you try to find out exactly what has been replaced with new when the unit was rebuilt. Therein lies the difference in value.