ALTERNATOR

[marcus1970]

Hello all,

Whereabouts is the alternator located and how much are they to replace.

What sort of symptoms might I expect if it's not at it's best?

Cheers

MB

[jbvipercerb]

The alternator on a 4.5 is in the middle of the vee under the purple hoses.
Symptoms are the battery light coming on or glowing, battery going flat even after a long drive, or any "big fuse" type of problems (the big fuse at the back of the engine feeds the power to the alternator).
Why whats it doing?

[marcus1970]

jbvipercerb said:

The alternator on a 4.5 is in the middle of the vee under the purple hoses.
Symptoms are the battery light coming on or glowing, battery going flat even after a long drive, or any "big fuse" type of problems (the big fuse at the back of the engine feeds the power to the alternator).
Why whats it doing?

Well for one it might be making a bloody racket like a tinny sort of noise. Also when I put the lights on or the heater etc the rev counter falls to zero until the car has run a few miles.

How much are they new?

MB

[jbvipercerb]

Prices vary from £80/90 to £200. I think the cheapest option is take it off and get it repaired.
Try seeing if there is a starter/alternator overhauling specialist locally. They shouldn't have trouble getting parts I think the alternator is from the Landrover/Rangerover range.

[optimax sniffer]

When I replaced mine I tried to change to black diode pack on the rear of the alternator first. Unfortunately the fastener holes where in the wrong place and I had to change the complete alternator. Mine came from TVR Car Parts clicky and was about £130 for a new unit and not on exchange.

You have to take the fuel rail off, and also the aircon pump if you have it fitted. I didn't disconnect the pipes, as I managed to get enough movement without the disconnect. I also had to remove the mounting bracket for the alternator before I could remove the alternator itself. When you put the fuel rail back on, it is probably worth replacing the o-rings. While you are in the engine bay you may as well change the big fuse too as it is only a few quid on ebay.

Iain
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