I'm about to install my 3rd alternator in the last 6,000 miles. The prior two have both failed electrically (not due to bearing or pulley problems). First replacement (carquest rebuild) worked great for about 4,000 miles, then developed pulsating voltage that made lights flicker. Second one (100% new from 'rareElectrical') worked great for 2,000 miles and then just gradually stopped putting out power.

I'm well aware that crappy rebuilds are very common, so I know the alternator itself could be to blame. But is there anything else can I look for that might be slowly frying alternators?

Belt is new and tensioned properly.
Battery is only a year old and tests good.
Battery holds charge fine - no parasitic loss.
I'm not driving through any giant mud puddles.
It's all stock - never added any lights/stereo/security/etc.

I know everyone says 'check battery cables'...but other than obvious breaks or major corrosion I don't really know what I'm looking for.

This is the only thing I saw that looked a little suspicious...Is that how it's supposed to look? Just looks odd to me that there's so much exposed wire at that clip. Is that little bit of green fuzz enough to cause a problem?





Thanks