alternators - long thread but help appreciated!
Discussion
hi, 7 weeks into 993 ownership and encountering some problems. The car is sweet but about four weeks ago it started making a funny noise folowing previous threads and visitng paul stephens lead me to believe it was the drive beltws. I duly took the car to the supplying independent dealers specialist (PBM in ditchling, sussex) who put new belts on but that did not alievate the noise. They then said it was somethiong to do with the alternator and replaced a part on that.
Got the car back and after a few days a different noise developed, kind of the same as the previus one but at thighere revs (3000). Followed previous threads which led me to believe it was the alteranator.
Anyway was on holiday for 10 days and when i came back the porkers battery was flat as a pancake, although after 20mins charging started and continues to do so.
Basically do i need a new alternator and how do i find it to check it, obviously i'll need a multimeter but where is the thing?
Many thanks for all your help, p.s. am now a PCGB member and always wave to porsches (see other threads).
Got the car back and after a few days a different noise developed, kind of the same as the previus one but at thighere revs (3000). Followed previous threads which led me to believe it was the alteranator.
Anyway was on holiday for 10 days and when i came back the porkers battery was flat as a pancake, although after 20mins charging started and continues to do so.
Basically do i need a new alternator and how do i find it to check it, obviously i'll need a multimeter but where is the thing?
Many thanks for all your help, p.s. am now a PCGB member and always wave to porsches (see other threads).
Tim, hate to say it but the 993 alternator (like most 911's i think) is sort of integral with the fan.
With the engine off, look through the blades of the fan and you should see the body of the alternator.
That's why you need a special tool to take the fan off the spindle. Weird huh?
VS
With the engine off, look through the blades of the fan and you should see the body of the alternator.
That's why you need a special tool to take the fan off the spindle. Weird huh?
VS
10 days for the battery to go flat is nothing unusual, especially if the battery is a little old.
It's highly likely that the noise and the battery draining are not linked. The noise may be the fan belt pulley (common) and cost about £50.
You can check the drain yourself by removing the earth lead on the batter inserting an amp meter bewteen the battery and earth body earth. With the bonnet catch closed (remember to open it again before closing the bonnet!) and the alarm on (i.e. in it's normal state) you should see a reading of about 0.5 amps depending on the amount stereo, alarm, immobiliser, tracker equipment you have fitted.
A replacement alternator is about £600 fitted.
It's highly likely that the noise and the battery draining are not linked. The noise may be the fan belt pulley (common) and cost about £50.
You can check the drain yourself by removing the earth lead on the batter inserting an amp meter bewteen the battery and earth body earth. With the bonnet catch closed (remember to open it again before closing the bonnet!) and the alarm on (i.e. in it's normal state) you should see a reading of about 0.5 amps depending on the amount stereo, alarm, immobiliser, tracker equipment you have fitted.
A replacement alternator is about £600 fitted.
Do the checks above...if it is the alternator...i took the old one out of a previous 3.2,,,,had it reconditioned by an auto electrician for about 100 pounds with a years guarantee....no reason to buy a new one...If the battery is old,,,that is the easiest and often cheapest thing to replace.
If you ever need an alternator or starter motor overhauling then Dave Dennett at DSD auto electrical services near Stanstead is your man. A massive Porsche enthusiast and racer he has been rebuilding starter and altenators since he was a baby and knows his stuff. You can get him on 07774 854 418. Tell him Henry sent you and he`ll treat you like a king !
Henry
Henry
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff