Alternator woes

[ceejay007]

Howdy all,

I'm having continuing problems with my alternator on my Westy.

First up, the belt was slipping pretty bad, so got a new one put on a month ago back home as there wasnt enough room to tension it. Van has PAS, do it's not an easy job to change - paid 80 squid to get it done! The other day, belt started slipping again. Before I had a chance to readjust it, the altrnator light came on. Pulled over, adjusted it, and carried on. Unfortunately, the alt light remained on. No belt slippage though. Tested with a multimeter, and the alt wasn't giving any charge. Took the exciter cable off and tested with eng off, under <1v. Removed the blue wire on the split charge relay, which then gave 12v at the alt end. Alt still wouldn't charge. Continued driving until the batt was almost dead, then stumbled into an auto elec. He pulled the alt apart, changed something internally, or cleaned it up (not the brushes, they were fine), back on car and it's charging again, but only showing high 13's. Auto elec couldn't speak english, and my italian is rubbish, so didn't get the low down on what he actually did. He showed me something internal though - lots of copped in a cylindrical shape. I think this is the first of ongoing issues i'll be having.

The alt bracket seems bent, which is causing it to be pushed further out from where it should originally sits. I'm guessing that this would cause added strain on the alt bearings/shaft as the belt isn't inline with the crank pulley and water pump pulley? It's also not doing the fan belt any favours, and i think i'll be changing it again soon. Is there a specific part for the alt adjustment bracket? Can't seem to find one anywhere. the bracket thats on there doesnt seem original, and it's too think to bend back in to shape.

Also, the crank pulley seems to wobble a bit. Is this a common thing? Any idea if its a minor or major job to fix? I also thought this may be causing the alt belt to stretch, however the PAS belt seems fine.

Cheers!

[footstuck]

Very important to resolve that pulley wobble mate
It has been the death of many a good engine
Suggest you put a timing belt kit on and if you don't have the kit to do it yourself
get a good garage to replace it for you, as the 'Crank bolt tightening sequence' has to be followed to the letter

[kevtherev]

The alt just needs a £15 brush pack
No need to replace it all