Alternator rebuild

Russ · « **Reply #15 on:** October 26, 2005, 09:10:26 PM »

Yes, patting the pedal does make the light go out and the whine come on. So that's normal for a diesel?

The problem is everyone I ask about my alternator/battery stuff gives me a different answer, so I'm no less confused than before I opened my mouth :?

Some people tell me the whine is an indicator that my battery is going south, and if that's the case it must be the alternator not doing its job.

John Tracy said I could have the thing rebuilt and "wound up" so that it would produce more amperage to power the electrical components.

Other people have said the whine is caused by the power cords inducting noise into the audio cables because they run parallel down the side of the car. If that's the case I can rewire it and run the audio cables on the other side, or rewire it with shielded cable.

I've also been told my alternator is quite powerful enough and it doesn't need to be replaced. Empirical evidence suggests that something is not right however, since I've experienced two batteries go south and I'm afraid it will happen to another one, since the whine seems to go away every time I install a fresh battery. I know the girl at Auto Zone is tired of seeing my face.

All I would like is for my car to generate enough power to keep my electrical components working, while still keeping an ample charge on the battery. Jumping it off to get to Auto Zone gets old.

I have a 400W amp in the back and 4 speakers, no subs. I'm no electrical engineer but I do know that W=AxV so if I need 400 watts, at 12 volts my alternator would need to push around 34 amps for the amp in the back alone. I don't use any air conditioning or any other electronic gizmos in the car, either.

I can probably procure the tools necessary to test the alternator through work. What would I need to get, and how would I test it? If I bring it to you one weekend Godfather, would you be willing to test it? It seems your Mac mini is working so well you don't need me for anything anymore, but I'm sure we could work some kind of deal out.

Zen · « **Reply #16 on:** October 26, 2005, 10:15:54 PM »

Russ, I don't have a clue what the specs on a Jetta diesel's alternator are, but if all you need is 34 amps over what the car in it's stock form needs, I'd think that the stock alternator should have no problem keeping the battery charged.

I can tell you from experiance that if your voltage regulator isn't working properly you will constantly have problems with EVERYTHING electrical on your car. I used to fuss about how sorry AutoZone batteries were 'cause they would only last about 3 or 4 months in Homer. I replaced the AutoZone regulator with a solid state Bosch regulator, and my AutoZone battery has lasted a year with no problems.

By the way, if Martin Speedometer is run by the same person that used to have a shop on Cloud Springs Road called Martin Speedometer and Electric (I'm pretty sure it is), my dad was a diesel mechanic back in the 70's and 80's swore he was the best charging system man in the southeast. I don't remember the guy's real name . . . dad just called him "Shorty" Martin . . . for obvious reasons. :wink:

Russ · « **Reply #17 on:** October 26, 2005, 10:20:37 PM »

Shorty Martin...yes, that's exactly who it is. His shop is on Lakeview Dr, very close to Cloud Springs.

I don't know anything about my regulator though, whether it's Bosch, etc. or if it's ever even been replaced. Where on the car is it located?

Zen · « **Reply #18 on:** October 26, 2005, 10:32:39 PM »

On yours, it should be an internal regulator (built inside the alternator). Most of the time with "modern" solid state internal regulators, they are either good or bad . . . but anything is possible. If it's charging correctly part of the time but not charging or overcharging sometimes, it can cause all kinds of weird electrical problems.

Russ · « **Reply #19 on:** October 26, 2005, 10:46:16 PM »

Define "weird electrical problems" then. The only thing I really have a problem with is my battery dying every few months, along with this whine in the audio system that drives me crazy. I figured my only option at this point was to rebuild my alternator. Any other ideas?

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #20 on:** October 26, 2005, 11:17:53 PM »

BOTTOM LINE !!!!!!!! Go get the damn thing checked and quit worrying yourself to death . You can sit around all day wondering and that ain't gonn'a fix it. Next, go buy a GOOD battery

Check for a drain !!!!!!!

Russ · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2005, 08:18:55 AM »

Ok, what kind of battery do you suggest? Something with a higher CCA rating than the ones I'm getting from Auto Zone?

What type of drain am I checking for?

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #22 on:** October 27, 2005, 09:53:11 AM »

Russ, I never had any luck with Auto-Zone batteries. Some people do, but not me. I never had one that didn't die a early death. Some folks swear by Interstate or Sears Die-Hards. I have had good luck with both of them. Just buy as much battery as you can afford. Lots of CCA. Remember you have glow plugs and crap like that to deal with.
As far as a drain on your system, go back to the early post I put on. I explaned how to check for a system drain. It always worked for me. A really good shop can test for all of this.I have heard Alt. whine when they are charging at max to get almost flat battery up.
Russ, You-Da-Man when it comes to computers, but that "critter" in the carport is not Mac-G5. So you take it To-Da-Man who works on "critters" Doing this will keep your Micro-Chip laden brain from " Locking-Up" Understand ?? :lol:

Russ · « **Reply #23 on:** October 27, 2005, 10:02:12 AM »

Quote from: "Ret.Bugtech"

Russ, You-Da-Man when it comes to computers, but that "critter" in the carport is not Mac-G5. So you take it To-Da-Man who works on "critters" Doing this will keep your Micro-Chip laden brain from " Locking-Up" Understand ?? :lol:

So are you busy Saturday?

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #24 on:** October 27, 2005, 11:24:16 AM »

Russ, I don't have the "tools" to do the job. You need someone who has a machine that can " load" the alt. and battery to see exactly whats going on. A Tech. who knows his stuff can tell you every little thing about your elec. system with all the new "stuff" they are using today. You keep forgetting that you are talking to a Dinosaur here. Heres the plan:

1- Put your pants on
2-Take the garbage out
3- Start the car if you can
4-propel the machine to the shop of your choice
5-Explane problem to Tech.
6-Step away from the car and keep your mouth shut and let the Tech. do his job or better yet go home and wait until he calls you.
7-Let the Tech explane the problem without you arguing with him unless you enjoy body penetration of a rather large piece of equipment.
8-Now, you can either let him repair your car or Pay-Da-Man for checking the car out and leave if you are not satified with his findings.
9- Repeat the first 8 steps with another shop.
10- Try doing repairs youself with info gleaned from the Techs or:
11- When all else fails, Burn the SOB and call a cab.

:lol:

vwherb · « **Reply #25 on:** October 27, 2005, 11:33:43 AM »

OK, Godfather, you were accusing me earlier sugar coating (powder coating) something so I've got to ask..................HOW MUCH SUGAR DID YOU PUT ON THAT?

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

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Topic: Alternator rebuild (Read 8072 times)

Russ

Alternator rebuild

Zen

Alternator rebuild

Russ

Alternator rebuild

Zen

Alternator rebuild

Russ

Alternator rebuild

Ret.Bugtech

Alternator rebuild

Russ

Alternator rebuild

Ret.Bugtech

Alternator rebuild

Russ

Alternator rebuild

Ret.Bugtech

Alternator rebuild

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Alternator rebuild

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