Alternator

Hi all
I have just been reading on the "F" reg web site that the alternators on 2002 -2005 cars have a tendency to just go. 10yrs is the max they seem to last

I had to replace mine and it is a 2004.

Hi cjj mine is an 04 as well but not changed it yet

My old 03 TF had one fitted by the previous owner and I had to fit one just before I sold it (darn)

According to the old receipts that came with my current TF it also had a new alternator fitted a couple of years ago.

The alternator is very close to the exhaust manifold but there is a heat shield to try to deflect the heat away; there is also a poor air flow in that area on a TF and slightly less on an F (unless a scoop is fitted) also when stationary a lot of latent heat builds in that area due to the confinement (they get very hot) which may make them break down prematurely. Also if you run through any standing water the low position of the alternator means it gets saturated (hot alternator + water = thermal shock)

Best position for an alternator is at the front of the car with good air flow and high up away from splashes of standing water (mid engine, not possible) so I would expect a shorter than average lifespan from the alternator due to the positional constraints.

You could put the alternator up front, but you would need a big auxiliary belt. :yesnod: