Alternator life for Chimaera

[alex200mph]

Just wondering what sort of life people were getting out of their alternators on their Chimaeras.

Mine has gone again after about 1 3/4 years and the previous one that the last owner put in lasted about 2 and half years.

Its easy to get at and replace, but: Is the exposed position of the alternator near where water runs under the bonnet down the side of the wing anything to do with it? Anybody any ideas?

Cheers
Alex

[jsr]

Mine went this weekend. Appears to only have lasted 2.5 years. But at least they're cheap and easy to replace.

I suspect the heat produced by the engine cooks the internals. A heat shield would be a good idea

[k4trv]

jsr said:

[snippity] I suspect the heat produced by the engine cooks the internals. A heat shield would be a good idea..[snip]

I'd say heat was the main culprint as well - but other than ducting cool air you can't really mount it anywhere else on a V8 - the "chassis" gets in the way. My '93 model had a "new" alternator when I collected it Apr last year - dunno how many before tho' (there's history & history!!)

Trev McM

[trefor]

I've never had a new one in 54,000 miles and 8+ years. Saying that mine will pack up next time I drive it now ...

[jsr]

Well i only joined the RAC on firday night.

Saturday morning, the alternator blew and left me stranded!

Talk about tempting fate

[anonymous-user]

I nearly replaced my Alternator, only to find all it needed was a £1 fuse link