Alternator issues????

GASXD · 24-07-2010, 08:02 PM

Hello all,
Now I have a 01 model series 2 Au falc 6cyl. Some time back (6 months) I replaced the battery as the other one called it a day. Now she has been running ok ever since then however the other day I had to replace the HP line to the power steering pump as it was weeping. I had gone for a short drive down the road only to notice the battery light flicker on/off for a few seconds, but hasnt done it since. Now I'v noticed she is running a lil rough since then. When I push down on the power window buttons to shut the windows the revs drop and she shudders and then picks up again. I'm leaning towards a dieing alternator due to the ingress of PS fluid, however would it cause the low/rough idle? Just wanting to know if anyone out there has had similar issues.
Cheers
Doug.

MNM96 · 25-07-2010, 08:43 AM

The leak can give the alternator trouble. Give it a good dousing through with brake cleaner before replaceing it cause I have heard some have been revived by doing it. Unless you are at replacement decision though, don't do it as it may not work. What I am trying to say is, before you pull it off to replace it, try it. You have nothing to loose and it could revive it. At worst, it will be cleaner to remove!

burnz · 25-07-2010, 09:48 AM

if the brushes on the alternator have become soaked in oil they fail to deliver the correct amount of electicty/current to the exciter.
clean or replace the bushes/regulator.

be shure to wipe clean the slip rings which they slide on.

Fuzzlet · 25-07-2010, 10:12 AM

Did you disconnect the battery when you changed over the line? Reason I ask is when I changed the battery in my XR6, I followed the instructions for 'resetting' the ecu. For the first week or so, the car's revs would drop when I'd use the windows or turn the headlights on, but it sorted itself out though

ronwest · 25-07-2010, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASXD

I had gone for a short drive down the road only to notice the battery light flicker on/off for a few seconds

I had a similar thing happen but it got progressively worse.

I decided that I would replace the alternator so removed it and so not to get covered in goop I cleaned it up with degreaser and hosed it out.
Because I wasn't concerned about how much degreaser or water got in, or where it got in to, I drowned the thing. I then gave it a thorough blow out with compressed air.

My wife rang around auto electricians the next morning (Saturday) but lo and behold couldn't find one around here that was open Sat morning :(

Rather than have the car immobile for the weekend I reinstalled the alternator.

Believe it or not, two years later that same alternator is still in the car and hasn't missed a beat.

I would suggest to anyone with a dicky alt caused by leaking ps fluid to try degreasing and drowning the alt first but only if you're resigned to replacing it if that doesn't work.

As already mentioned the "roughness" may improve by resetting the ecu and driving it a bit.

Mr Hardware · 25-07-2010, 03:01 PM

Quote:

I would suggest to anyone with a dicky alt caused by leaking ps fluid to try degreasing and drowning the alt first but only if you're resigned to replacing it if that doesn't work.

Wise words.
Ensure it is completely and utterly dry before you try and use it again, however.

ronwest · 25-07-2010, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Ensure it is completely and utterly dry before you try and use it again, however.

Yeah, I'm sure that the reason it was resurrected is because I blew it out with compressed air after it's bath.

Funny how life works... I remember thinking that I'd just let it drip dry - what would it matter to me? I was replacing it anyway.

Then I thought "what the heck" no point costing the auto leckie any more than he needs to spend to refurbish it.

So I did it... and it did it... and we've both lived in harmony ever since, lol

GASXD · 25-07-2010, 09:39 PM

Hi all,
Thanks to all for your thoughts.
Fuzz, all I did when replacing the HP line was place a plastic bag over the alt and just replaced it, battey remained connected. The car has 130,000kms on it and I'm under the impression that its been leaking for some time. I'm thinking to replace it as Im able to get one off evilbay for $190 genuine Ford (not sure if thats a good thing).