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Alternator removal!
Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 11:58 am
by kennyfin73
Anybody removed or have info about removing an alternator. Cant get it out, am guessing I may have to take out the radiator! Must be an easier way surely!
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 1:30 pm
by Steamyrotter
Its a manifold off job minimum.
Whats the issue?
It could just need a regulator change which can be done in situ.:-
http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... #msg126471
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 7:25 pm
by kennyfin73
Not charging battery. Doesn't sound to healthy and nearing 180k miles prob be best to change out whole unit. Having taken off belts and checked alt it seems to be smooth enough, unless noise coming from worn bushes in regulator.
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 7:38 pm
by henrym3
Having just read Steamyrotter's article surely it's got to be worth trying his solution if only about £22. I never see above 13.6/7v coming from my alternator, should I be worried.
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 1:09 pm
by Steamyrotter
13.6/7 is OK depending where you measure it!!
ideally you want 14 - 14.2 at the under bonnet charging points as it is a long way to the battery..
And the high charging current will cause a volt drop along that cable.
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 1:16 pm
by henrym3
That's the voltage that shows up on the OBC
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Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 1:44 pm
by Smeeagain
So where does the OBC take it's reading from ?
Smee
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 7:09 pm
by henrym3
Not got a clue but would assume it is from somewhere that gives an accurate reading of alternator output. There again one should never assume.
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 9:39 pm
by Steamyrotter
unfortunately the OBD is not the most accurate measurement.
You need to use a decent multimeter on the charging points
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 9:45 pm
by dark_stranger
You don't need to take the manifold off, I replaced my alternator when I first got the car and you need to remove the fan, but once that is off it comes out. I had to buy a special tool (£20'ish) that holds the fan clutch/motor whilst you undo it.
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Thu May 18, 2017 8:26 pm
by kennyfin73
It was necessary to remove the radiator to get the alternator out!! Lets hope the O rings on the hoses seal again. Anybody know the sizes of these?
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Thu May 18, 2017 9:16 pm
by henrym3
Any time I've had them off I've very lightly greased them with either vaseline or silicone grease so they slide back on easily and never had a problem with them leaking
Re: Alternator removal!
Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 8:29 pm
by kennyfin73
Job all done with no leaks at cooling hoses.
Ordered a STARK (£50) alternator and a Valeo came. Guessing its a refurb unit but none the less it is in very good condition. Replace gearbox oil cooler as well as noticed some oil weeping from oil side of cooler.