alternator failure

[talkingcars]

Is there anything on the O series engine that can cause the alternator to fail apart from alternator wear?

I ask this as the alternator seems to have failed after only being on the car a few weeks, I took it from the car I have just scraped and was working okay when the old car was last used.

James

[E_T_V]

It depends on what you mean by fail.

Has it just stopped charging, or has it started discharging, or has it detonated itself like mine did leaking shards of metal everywhere :D

If the alternator has failed to charge try replacing the regulator/rectifier unit on the back of the alt. It is replacable and shoyuld cost you a shade under a tenner and 10 mins to fix.

The thing that caused my alternator to fail spectacularly was that the last owner had done the belt up to tight.

[H48HPE]

its just bad luck your replacement alternator broke, this time of year gives the alternator a hard time because of all the extra electrics that are on, if it was on its last legs its just been pushed that bit far. If the cars a long term investment get a new one or recon one of the old ones yourself. or if you want get a scrap one but they all tend to be high milage and possibly only have a limited lifespan left.

Andy

[talkingcars]

Could using the maestro to put charge into another car with a flat battery cause the alternator to fail. The other car is my espace that has had a battery drain problem for years leaving it too flat to start after 5 days.

James

[MGTurbo]

Originally posted by talkingcars
Could using the maestro to put charge into another car with a flat battery cause the alternator to fail. The other car is my espace that has had a battery drain problem for years leaving it too flat to start after 5 days.

James

Yes it can, killed the alternator on our B reg Efi.

Gareth

[H48HPE]

yes, jump starting another car has most likely ruined the rectifier on the alternator, dont jump start cars like that if you can help it. this is a particular problem if your trying to start a car with a big engine such as a diesel. likewise, charging your battery up whilst its still connected to the car wiring puts the alternator at risk.

Andy

[J199 HHG]

Jump starting is fine provided the donor car isn't running.

If it is running, you are effectively trying to take hundreds of amps, maybe near 1000amps if starting a large diesel, e.g. Land Rover when it's cold. This won't do the alternator any favours at all!

[talkingcars]

Is there any alternator larger than 65 amps (from the diesel) that fits the o series?

James

[tony]

a 65a alternator,if working correctly should power all your needs on a maestro/montego,you can look at rover sd1 cars but they only go up tp 65a as well:)

[H536NOG]

Most modern cars have large output alternators now, 90 A not being uncommon try looking for something with aircon on it at the scrapyard then its just a case of the mounting lugs being in the correct places / changing wiring connections etc. <<DISCLAIMER>> I accept no liability if you set your car alight / damage it in any way as a result :p
NigeOriginally posted by talkingcars
Is there any alternator larger than 65 amps (from the diesel) that fits the o series?

James

[talkingcars]

As I run a lot of ICE and sometimes need to start one of my other cars having more than 65a could be useful.

James

[H536NOG]

Hi, found this on ebay & thought it may be just what you are looking for... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?RedirectEnter&partner=777703&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi%2Eebay%2Eco%2Euk%2Fws%2FeBayI SAPI%2Edll%3FViewItem%26item%3D2463566314%26catego ry%3D10414%26ssPageName%3DADME%3AB%3AEF%3AUK%3A1 Originally posted by talkingcars
As I run a lot of ICE and sometimes need to start one of my other cars having more than 65a could be useful.

James

[H536NOG]

Link didnt work, try searching for item #2463566314 its a 100amp Lucas A127 alternator (the pulley can be changed)

[tony]

Originally posted by H536NOG
Link didnt work, try searching for item #2463566314 its a 100amp Lucas A127 alternator (the pulley can be changed)
will it work this time ?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2463566314

[H536NOG]

it appears to

[talkingcars]

Thanks for finding that, I may well bid on it.

James