Hello, I have a problem with my 1999 blazer with 4.3 engine AT.
I replaced my alternator and when I started my engine, the alternator started to smoke and was burning.
The previous owner said to change the alternator, which I did once bought, but never told me why it was to be replaced.
I saw that there were two kinds of alternator, one before 230000 and the other after 230000. Since my blazer is 200077, I took one for before 230000. I don’t know the internal differences between the two kinds, just that there is one with an additional fixation.
I do not think I was wrong reference, my old alternator is an ACDELCO 3342475A and my new one is a WAI GLOBAL 8231N ordered on RockAuto.

 

I'll reply to give this a bump. As an owner of a 99 Blazer myself, I'd like to know the answer too.

I've never heard of an alternator catching on fire! That worries me.

As for the cross-reference for the alternators, I went to GM Parts Giant to see what they would say is the proper alternator for a 1999 4wd Blazer. It only came up with one:
https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/g...-19244782.html I could find no comment about the VIN.

I then put in this GM part number (19244782) and also the part numbers for the the ones 19244782 is supposed to supersede (19152053 and 10464084) in the parts number search at Rock Auto and did not come up with any from WAI Global.

However, when I search Rock Auto for the alternator for a 1999 Blazer, I do see the one you installed listed as a possible replacement.

When I searched for the part number for the GM version of the part number (88864274) of your previous alternator (ACDELCO 3342475A) at GM Parts Giant the search was inconclusive as to if it should fit.

So, the upshot is that perhaps the previous alternator and its replacement are incorrect for your vehicle.

I try to use a GM parts dealer for double checking the cross-reference for my parts as errors can creep into the cross-references used by vendors.

As to what is different about these alternators that would cause them to not work on your Blazer, I have no clue.

Regarding next steps, you might be able to get some money back from Rock Auto if you show them that according to GM, the one you purchased is not cross-listed consistently.

For a replacement, the best you can do is buy one that cross-references exactly with what the GM parts dealer says you need.

If that next one also catches on fire, you must have something else wrong with your charging system for which I'm not sure how to check.

 

Thank you very much for your answer.

I took an alternator that already works on another v6 vortec, and for now it works.
It’s an ACDELCO, I don’t know the reference.

 

Keep us posted.