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        General >> Problems >> Alternator worries
        
(Message started by: adowds on May 2^nd, 2008, 7:30pm)

Title: Alternator worries
Post by adowds on May 2^nd, 2008, 7:30pm

Word to my brothers and sisters of the Scorpio(n) massive. Etc.

Just a quick one. My 95 Cossie has developed a very intermittent slight glowing of the charging light while running. I've had a quick scout on the problem finder pages, and clearly there's some sort of alternator fault - diode packs I believe?

When I got the car there was a yucky leak from the power steering fluid reservoir, so the alternator itself is covered in poo (although I have given it a good clean with motorcycle chain cleaner).

So... I guess I will need a new alternator soon. Or an exchange unit. Anyone like to recommend a tried and tested route? I'm considering getting a secondhand one and sending it off to be reconditioned so I don't need to have the car off the road for any length of time.

Anyone got a duff one they'll let me have cheap? Or even a good one!

Thanks everyone.

Al

Title: Re: Alternator worries
Post by Snoopy on May 3^rd, 2008, 10:53am

It it is only glowing slightly then then can carry on like this for years . The steering fluid does cause some sort of damage , happened to mine when I first got it and replaced alternator .If it was me I would not worry unduly but search around for a replacement ( Just in Case). Just make sure you have fixed the Power steering fluid leak ( usually from the top joint on the reserviour needs attention) and it runs down the pipe and drips onto the rear of the alternator.

Title: Re: Alternator worries
Post by adowds on May 3^rd, 2008, 11:14am

That sounds like a good plan Snoop. I do have a spare battery I keep in the boot anyway (the horrors of not being able to push start an automatic car terrify me), so with that and a spare alternator in the shed, I should be relatively sorted.

I like the Scorp a lot, but I am worried about the reliability of what is a 13 year old car, so am paranoid about fixing stuff properly and early!

I did sort the PS fluid leak early on, with new hoses from FPUK and a proper clean of the reservoir.

Title: Re: Alternator worries
Post by sector-9 on May 4^th, 2008, 10:26pm

I believe the petrol alternators are relatively common and will have been used on many makes/models. The diesels are less so though as they also contain the vacuum pump and it's positioning varies depending on year.

Darren