Technical Alternator

[tfnw]

Hi,

I've been told that the alternator on my B is not working correctly and the battery runs flat.

Has anyone on here ever replaced one, if so is it a relatively easy job (I have basic mechanical ability). If not how much should I expect to pay for an alternator and/or fitting.

Thanks for any help

Nick

 

[Alan.D]

Can't imagine it would be that difficult, but haven't looked at mine. It appears to be held on by two bolts onto a plate. Will have a look properly at mine later.

 

[tfnw]

Thanks - I thought it would be pretty straightforward but the sparky who tested it seemed to think it would be a fairly complicated job!!

 

[doogal]

Nick - what makes you think that it isn't working correctly? Before you buy a new alternator, check the tension of the auxiliary belt that drives it, check that all the connections to the alternator are good and tight and also check your battery connections are nice and tight (8mm spanner) and that the earth point to the bodyshell nearest the battery is tight.

Sorry if this is obvious stuff you've already done, but I'd hate you to waste dosh.

I just had a look at the workshop manual and it reckons you need to remove the starter motor, part of the exhaust and the rear engine mount to allow the engine to be lowered slightly so you can get the alternator out. Sounds like a bit of a s*d. I will have a look tonight at my partially stripped B to see if there is an easier way.

Doog.

 

[patches]

Had this done in September '06. Reconditioned alternator cost me £115.24 plus labour. Total labour cost for this, two new tires and a major service was £338.00. Apparently they had to drop the engine to do the replacement so labour was pricey.

 

[patches]

BTW How old is your alternator?

 

[tfnw]

Thanks for the help
The alternator is original - 10 years old but low mileage
An autoelectrician tested it so I assume he did all the basic checks, he wasn't keen on fitting one as he doesn't have a ramp in his workshop and he seemed to think that some major messing with the engine/gearbox would be needed.
I'll have a look and check all the terminals, etc they could be corroded as the car has been stood for a long time before I bought it.

Thanks
Nick

 

[patches]

Ten years? Lucky you. I just managed three!

 

[tfnw]

3 years!!! They can't be that bad - I owned Lancias for years and never had to change an alternator!!

 

[Alan.D]

Can't imagine it would be that difficult, but haven't looked at mine. It appears to be held on by two bolts onto a plate. Will have a look properly at mine later.

Can I apologise now for talking sh*t

Can hardly see the bleeding thing never mind change it

Looks like you need to get it from underneith as it's not going to come out through the top without removing the manifold.

 

[docorangepeel]

It sounds like a real pain !!! I never looked into it before as mine has never given me any problems. I would have expected it to be a simple job.

 

[Alan.D]

It's down there somewhere

 

[docorangepeel]

What a nuts place to put it !! fingers cross I dont have to replace mine anytime soon.