Most likely you have a generator for a different application. You listed a 2.3L engine, but this model only came with a 3.0L engine, so we know something is wrong. I don't see a 2.3L engine listed for other years or models.
Except in very rare instances, any replacement generator you can find is going to be a rebuilt unit that has been cleaned up, then all the common wear items are replaced, any additional defective parts are replaced, and any known high-failure items are replaced. What are reused are the housing, stationary coil of wire, (stator), and the rotating coil of wire, (rotor, or "field winding"). This means every rebuilt generator came as original equipment on someone's car, then, when it failed, like yours did, it is just the internal parts that get replaced, then it is sold as another rebuilt unit. There is no such thing as the part was manufactured to the wrong dimensions or with the wrong electrical connector or mounting ears. When any of those are wrong, you have the wrong part for the application.
When there's any doubt, take your old generator along to match it up to the replacement. There is going to be an extra "core" charge that you will get back when you give them your old one, then that is sent back to the rebuilding company to be rebuilt. What I do is to keep the old one until the job is completed, just in case the new one is defective, it doesn't fit the engine or application, as you found, the pulley is for the wrong belt style, and things like that. Also, every once in a while I hear about someone who turned in a core too soon, then found out there was some mounting bushing, bracket, or other part that should have been transferred to the new unit, but now it's gone and too late. Once the new part has been working okay for a few days, you can take your old one back at your leisure to get the refund for the core charge.
I've dealt with O'Reilly's before with returns and exchanges, and they always took good care of me. The people at most auto parts stores are going to be very helpful in getting you the right part.
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Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 AT 11:44 AM
