All warning lights stay on
01-03-2013, 08:52 PM
#31
Team Owner
Alan part of the reasont that I point out the alternator isnt good for charging the battery,
is to get the owner to put it on a proper charger,
then check the charging system with a full battery ,
doing this will confirm proper alternator function.
AND it will usually keep the issue of jumping the car ,
TO a non happening event.
The jumping sequence , if the battery is low ,
can damage the alternator and the computers on the S4 cars that still have original chips.
Once again check the brushes first, if you suspect low or intermittent charge output.
The Bosch alternators are well made and the parts that wear out first are the brushes,
followed by the bearings if they have gotten water damage
is to get the owner to put it on a proper charger,
then check the charging system with a full battery ,
doing this will confirm proper alternator function.
AND it will usually keep the issue of jumping the car ,
TO a non happening event.
The jumping sequence , if the battery is low ,
can damage the alternator and the computers on the S4 cars that still have original chips.
Once again check the brushes first, if you suspect low or intermittent charge output.
The Bosch alternators are well made and the parts that wear out first are the brushes,
followed by the bearings if they have gotten water damage
01-03-2013, 08:56 PM
#32
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Hi Alan,
You are right that I hoped for more than 4 years out of alternator. I have no special equipment; I was just tired of headlights dimming at stop signs, etc. I did install a smaller than stock 1-7/8" pulley, and with that the idle performance is fine. Before, with the stock pulley (maybe 2-1/2") I did notice a fall off at idle. I am intrigued by your Bosch heavy duty unit you recently posted, but with there low cost rebuild service, I am committed for now to what I have.
Thanks,
Dave
You are right that I hoped for more than 4 years out of alternator. I have no special equipment; I was just tired of headlights dimming at stop signs, etc. I did install a smaller than stock 1-7/8" pulley, and with that the idle performance is fine. Before, with the stock pulley (maybe 2-1/2") I did notice a fall off at idle. I am intrigued by your Bosch heavy duty unit you recently posted, but with there low cost rebuild service, I am committed for now to what I have.
Thanks,
Dave
01-07-2013, 02:56 PM
#33
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Mechman, the alternator company, called today and told me that I needed a new rotor. Something about an open circuit on one coil due to a broken wire. $35 + shipping. Should be back in business by the weekend.
Thanks again,
Dave
Thanks again,
Dave
01-07-2013, 04:04 PM
#34
Electron Wrangler
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Well a $35 fix is nice - but I guess the hassle factor is high...
BTW I do not have the Bosch HD alternator I posted on I just thought it interesting.
I have the stock GTS unit with an external regulator, I also have a slightly larger crank pulley to go on next time I am in there...
Alan
BTW I do not have the Bosch HD alternator I posted on I just thought it interesting.
I have the stock GTS unit with an external regulator, I also have a slightly larger crank pulley to go on next time I am in there...
Alan
01-10-2013, 02:29 AM
#35
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Hopefully final update.
Got alternator today, looks and works like new. I was getting a belt squeal on startup, that lasted about 2-3 seconds, but I just was not happy with it. I know these alternator belts have to be TIGHT. I put it back on ramps to tighten just a little more, and when I turned off the ignition the lock jammed. I could not turn the key, but I could remove it. I tried jiggling the steering lock, wiggling and pushing the key, but nothing. Darn it! I was just going to tweak my alternator belt tension, but now I had to pull my ignition cylinder and troubleshoot it. Fortunately a good soaking and cleaning followed by fresh graphite, got it working very smoothly again. It just added an hour and a half including pulling the pod, etc. Finally all back together, got the belt super tight, and NO SQUEAL! I am glad I don't have to do this for a living, because I'd be working for free half the time.
Thanks for all the help,
Dave
Got alternator today, looks and works like new. I was getting a belt squeal on startup, that lasted about 2-3 seconds, but I just was not happy with it. I know these alternator belts have to be TIGHT. I put it back on ramps to tighten just a little more, and when I turned off the ignition the lock jammed. I could not turn the key, but I could remove it. I tried jiggling the steering lock, wiggling and pushing the key, but nothing. Darn it! I was just going to tweak my alternator belt tension, but now I had to pull my ignition cylinder and troubleshoot it. Fortunately a good soaking and cleaning followed by fresh graphite, got it working very smoothly again. It just added an hour and a half including pulling the pod, etc. Finally all back together, got the belt super tight, and NO SQUEAL! I am glad I don't have to do this for a living, because I'd be working for free half the time.
Thanks for all the help,
Dave
