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Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 18:11
by Vernon
I've had a look about for similar topics on this but cant seem to find anything.
Pulling off the campsite tonight our Betty suddenly started making a loud rattling noise, after a quick look it seems to be coming from the alternator. I'm assuming its charging as the light is off and the pulley seemed to be a little hot.
My big question is simlar to how long is a piece of string, how long will it last? We are on the Isle of Wight and have just over 200 miles to go tomorrow. I'm not superstitious but it is Friday the 13th!
Is there anywhere I can get one in Portsmouth or Southampton just in case?
Thank you
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 18:19
by R0B
You could try partco.
http://uk.local.yahoo.com/Hampshire/Por ... 32452.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 18:40
by Oldiebut goodie

Engine?
Could well be water pump on it's last legs.
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 19:39
by itchyfeet
Euro car parts is close to the southampton ferry only about 2miles
They are showing stock but not locally
I'm not 100% sure about sat but I think if you order early enough they get it down from the london warehouse
Which ferry are you getting pompey or soton and what times the ferry?
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 20:16
by Oldiebut goodie
Isn't it better to diagnose where the noise is coming from exactly before throwing new alternators at it? As the alternator sits over the water pump I asked about it. Could also be that the adjustment bolt is loose on the alternator.
"Well sir, we will just put a new engine in as this one has a rattle and we can't be bothered to find where the noise is from."

Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 20:33
by itchyfeet
Alternator is other side from water pump on a dg/df
Vernon may know more about diagnostics than you give him credit for

Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 20:37
by Vernon
I'm pretty sure its not the water pump, ours is on the left of the crankshaft and the alternator on the right and the noise is definitely coming from there. I'm almost 100% its the alternator. We're coming over from Fishbourne to Portsmouth.
Had a look at the partco link and its not far from the docks, I'll give them a ring in the morning and ask the question, thanks Rob.
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 20:52
by Oldiebut goodie
itchyfeet wrote:Alternator is other side from water pump on a dg/df
Vernon may know more about diagnostics than you give him credit for

He may know what engine he has - I certainly don't from the paucity of information given. Our Betty is not an engine that I have heard of. Hence the oft quoted response of ' put your vehicle details in your signature' so that we don't have to use a crystal ball and play silly guessing games and wasting time and bandwidth. His diagnostic skills may well be brilliant but he is starting with the basic information at his fingertips like what engine he is talking about - how are we to know? He hasn't stated what checks he has carried out, in fact stated the bare minimum.
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 20:56
by Vernon
I do have basic knowledge but I am also new to all this engine malarky so not sure as yet the specific type but its times like this when you start to learn quickly. I didn't realise there was so many different types of engine, I will look into mine more closely.
And also after a slight panic comes a beer or two then you start to laugh about it and enjoy it coz there's bugger all you can do about it at seven o'clock on a Friday night

Thanks for all your help anyway
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 20:57
by itchyfeet
Ok I agree you should give engine info when asking for help but I just clicked on the garage thingy and its there

Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 21:09
by Oldiebut goodie
The water pump is under the alternator on a diesel so which engine makes quite a difference to making a diagnosis.
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 21:18
by Vernon
Its a 1.9 petrol so good chance its a dg or df. Just got the old haynes book out for some pre bed reading, not going outside in this weather!
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 21:21
by itchyfeet
We all have the option of not clicking the post reply button if we don't see the necessary info
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 21:26
by Oldiebut goodie
The required information was requested - cf my first post.
Re: Alternator Troubles
Posted: 13 Sep 2013, 21:32
by Vernon
Next time I post all relevant information
Thank you