How easy to replace the alternator on a Turbo car ?

[big h]

Hi all,

just found out that my alternator is on its way out, only just putting out 13.5 (which is apparently the bare miniumum)and dips down to 12.5 to 12.1 when under load!

So i've read in the Haynes how to replace the alternator, but my question is how difficult is it really as the manual only show a NA engine not the Turbo one, where I assume there is much less space.

[warthog]

Howard,

as far as the alternator is concerned, the turbo makes no difference to the access space - it's still pretty tight!

[big h]

thanks Brian,

just wondering as the pic's in the Haynes seem to have a bit more room around the alternator than mine has. Perhaps its just the angle there taken at.

Brian,
I replaced my AC comp on my turbo.
I first I let out a little coolant, disconnected the top rad hose and then removed the power steering pump. At last the alt. is visible. From this point a fairly easy job. I followed the Haynes book.
Good Luck,
Ron

[big h]

thanks for the info Ron

[pauly]

Hey Ron, sorry to hijack the thread, but my A/C compressor and accumulator need replacing and I see you,ve done the job, I was going to give a garage £50 to do the job, but thats because I,m getting lazy in my middle age, lol, maybe I will do it myself, did you need to remove the parts from below, or can it be done from above ?, thanks in anticipation. Paul

[jaytee]

Is 13.5 volts output not about the right charging voltage? Surely its the current you require for a heavier load?! Is the battery OK, cos if its failing you will have less reserve and a heavier curent will get taken from the alternator without the 'buffer' of the battery. Why do you think the alternator is faulty? I would have thought that with a heavy load the voltage measured at the battery terminals wouldn't drop too much with a healthy charged battery.

Jim

[big h]

>Is 13.5 volts output not about the right charging voltage?

13.5 is the bare minimum 14.8 is the peak output you can expect from the charging system.

Surely its the current you require for a heavier load?! Is the
>battery OK,

The battery was repalced 11 months ago, and all the cells checked out ok on the battery

Why do you think the alternator
>is faulty? I would have thought that with a heavy load the
>voltage measured at the battery terminals wouldn't drop too
>much with a healthy charged battery.

Thats just it the voltage shouldn't drop much when under load but mine was dropping even before anything was turned on, and down to as low as 12.5 - 12.1 when you turn on the lights and A/C

I have decided to let my local garage replace the alternator @ £169 for a replacement plus fitting didn't sound too bad a price considering the agro of getting to the unit.

[warthog]

Howard,

just a quick thought.... have you taken advice from a local independant auto electrical specialist? Forget you main dealer - they will just stick a new (or recon.) unit on.

In all probability, what has gone is either the brush pack or the regulator. Both are easily and cheaply replaced - and you would be surprised - could probably be done with the unit still on the car!

>Hey Ron, sorry to hijack the thread, but my A/C compressor
>and accumulator need replacing and I see you,ve done the job,
>I was going to give a garage £50 to do the job, but thats
>because I,m getting lazy in my middle age, lol, maybe I will
>do it myself, did you need to remove the parts from below, or
>can it be done from above ?, thanks in anticipation. Paul

Paul, After the Altenator is out, you can see the AC comp. I did have to remove the under panel to gain access and to drain a little coolant.
Now the AC comp has a positioning bracket that the two inboard bolts secure too. On mine that broke. Alum. I could not replace it at the dealer's as he could not find it on his computer. I just used bolts and nuts and hoped for the best. So far all is well.

The Haynes manual suggests removing the Radiator and the right headlight assm. But I spoke with an AC mechanic from the local Volvo Shop. He said he gets them from the top by removing the PS Pump and the Altenator. So I gave it a try. I didn't want to meass with those rusted up fittings on the radiator...Auto tran etc.
Ron