Alternator testing

Alternator testing was created by talkingcars

Posted 4 years 3 months ago #193901
Sorry, that should be "my alternator is testing me".

Since sorting my last "the car is off the road" problem I was getting alternator squeal at start up which was changing to a whistle as the car got warm,

Assuming this was a slack belt I tightened it but as I was buying parts I added a belt to the order for £15.

Having AC it is quite easy to tighten the belt but that made no difference.

So I tested the alternator but it was producing the correct voltages so I assumed the bearings were going.
I managed to get good discount from ECP and picked up one for £94 reduced to £65 outright.
An exchange one was £150 + a £30 surcharge - go figure.

Due to an accident at the start of June in my Alfa 159 daily driver I have been using the F all the time until I got the alfa back last weekend.

Today was the first chance to change the alternator, it came out quite easily but it's quite, possibly quieter than the new one.

Then I found the problem, the tensioner wheel has more wobble than a Chivers jelly.
A quick search of the web found "classic parts 4 cars" who sell them for £42.
Surprised it was that much I tried Rimmers - £12.50!

Moral of the story - make sure you know what needs replacing before buying parts.


Home to black Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4 ,green MGF VVC and red MG Maestro T16.

MG - the friendly marque.

The following user(s) said Thank You: sworkscooper, SundanceUK, Keymaster

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Replied by SundanceUK on topic Alternator testing

Posted 4 years 3 months ago #193914
At least you have a good spare to put on the shelf....

Sundance

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Replied by talkingcars on topic Alternator testing

Posted 4 years 3 months ago #193920
I had planned to use the old one and two others I have here that had also failed, one from a ZR160 and one from a TF160 and build a more powerful one for the F.


Home to black Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4 ,green MGF VVC and red MG Maestro T16.

MG - the friendly marque.

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Replied by Keymaster on topic Alternator testing

Posted 4 years 3 months ago #193984
Is it still worth having original alternators refurbished, maybe starter motors too. Or maybe the problem is finding someone to do it.

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Replied by talkingcars on topic Alternator testing

Posted 4 years 3 months ago #193989
I wouldn't pay someone else to refurbish either but have done both myself, parts are readily available.


Home to black Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4 ,green MGF VVC and red MG Maestro T16.

MG - the friendly marque.

The following user(s) said Thank You: Keymaster

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