Re: Alternator Woes

[DeWitt Harrison <de@aztek-eng.com>]

On Thu, 17 Dec 1998 11:20 -0500 (EST), Mark Pollan wrote:

>Wanted to give those with high mileage vehicles a word of warning.
>One week ago I had to but a new battery.  At that time I tested the
>alternator output both at the jump post and at the battery.  Strong
>13.7 volts.  This morning the alternator went south with no warning.
>Pep Boys has a reman. with lifetime warranty for $124.99.  Might be
>worthwhile for high mileage guys/gals to go ahead and replace it even
>if things seem O.K.
>[ ... ]

The alternator age issue usually is one of worn brushes. Just pull the
regulator off the back of the alternator once in a while to examine the
brushes. (Don't make a special trip. You'll probably have other reasons
to be wrenching in the area from time to time and it's really easy with
the bumper removed.) If they are worn, pop in a new regulator. Your
import car parts store, or a helpful list member can help you get the right
Bosch P/N for your unit.

If you have more time than money, take the regulator to an alternator/starter
rebuilder and obtain a new set of brushes. They are fairly easy to replace.
I would estimate each set will last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles in a
normal environment. The hardest part is getting the air intake cover off the
back of the alternator and remembering to properly tighten _all_ the things
you loosened to get at it.

CAUTION: Always disconnect the battery before poking around the
alternator, starter, etc. The experience of seeing a wrench instantaneously
welded to the alternator followed by smoke billowing out from under the
passenger seat is one you would carry with you for some time.

DeWitt Harrison
Boulder, CO
88 5kcstq