Date:         Thu, 2 Oct 2008 09:55:30 -0400
Reply-To:     Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Reliability of AutoZone (Duralast) alternators
Comments: To: The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <3E3476BC97E84FCF9BAD4B7E0C1019C5@RON>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"

"The Bus Depot" <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM> said:

> The discount auto parts chains (not speaking of AutoZone but in general) buy
> their rebuilt electrics strictly on price. Whoever can deliver a truckload
> of electrics for a wide range of models, quickly and for the lowest bid, is
> who stocks their shelves.

I think this is the case on more than electrics, it is for any rebuilds
that they sell.  I once bought a water pump from a discount chain (can't
remember which one it was, now) because mine had worn out and was
leaking.  When I got home and opened the box, there was obvious
cavitation wear on the impellers.  I was pressed for time to get the car
back on the road (usual Sunday evening scenario, out of town, had to be
at work Monday morning) so I installed it anyway, and actually never had
any trouble with it, but it clearly was a bottom-of-the-barrel item.

I always open the box and check the part before I pay for it now, if I
have to buy from a discount parts store.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL