Did I destroy my alternator???
 

Well, like the dumb ass that I am, I think I managed to destroy my alternator. As I sit and wait for my transmission parts to come, I can't let well enough alone and have to go out into the garage and start tinkering with things that don't need tinkering with. I decided to clean up the engine a little so I took out the alternator and fan for a cleaning. Trying to separate the alternator from the fan housing it seems like I destroyed the bearing somehow. The thing won't turn at all now. I don't know exactly what I could have done to do this, but maybe hitting a little too hard on the housing of the alternator geting it out of the schroud.

Does anyone have experience with this? Did I destroy my alternator, or is it something I can fix without spending $350 on a new alternator. I really can't afford the $350 on a new alternator considering how much I just spent on the transmission parts, so I'm open to any suggestions.

is the fan itself caught on the housing? could have shifted as you were trying to pry it loose

No, the fan, housing and alternator are all separated now. I cannot move the alternator shaft now, even using pliers.

take the voltage regulator off and then se if you can turn the armature. If it doesn't turn after this you probbly have a bearing problem on it. Also check to see of there is debris between the armature and teh winding, binding to keep the shaft from moving, If that is the case youll have to split the unit. Rmove the debris and see if the insulation is damaged. if it is you may be having to spend the $300+. You can't rebuild these units yourself easily on account of the parts being only available to a closed market. Dig and you might get lucky. Practically every part of the unit is available for replacement. Even down to the individual button diodes on some models. But ask yourself if you have the tools and time and patience to go to the trouble.

sometimes clunking the alternator brg around happens on the 911 disassembly.. huh CD ?

yah the the clunking with der hammer ist not gut.

fantastic explain http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/fles.gif

Danke!

Horrido!

Lee
78SC

Your best bet is to locate a local alternator/starter rebuilder and let them go over it. Usually much cheaper than buying a rebuilt outright, and you'll get a better job.

While I had my (working) alternator out, I had it rebuilt for $60.

How can alternators be rebuilt for some of the amounts indicated on the numerous
threads here?

The costs for the parts alone are:

1. bearings - $20
2. rotor slip ring replacement - $15
3. internal regulator - $40

This doesn't include the replacement of

1. rectifier assemblies - $25
2. stator - $30

The labor costs with overhead - $40

Like the saying goes; "You get what you pay for."

Their prices are much lower than what we could purchase them for. And besides, I do not know of any alternator/starter rebuilder who goes in and changes out all the parts. They check everything out and replace what does not work.

With regard to CD's alternator, you probably knocked something loose inside the alternator when you started banging on it. Take it to a alternator/starter rebuild shop and have them check it out unless you feel confident that you could take it apart yourself.

Steve

"A Porsche does more then just go fast in a straight line"

Thanks for the "technical" explanation. I am just going to chalk it up to experience and get a new one. I don't know how the bearing could have been damaged because I didn't hit the thing that hard. Maybe they were ready to go out anyway and the disassembly helped it along. When I spun the fan with the alternator still atached, it sounded pretty rough so I'm not too surprised.

The only thing available is the internal regulator type of alternator, so I need a new pulley washer for the front right. Is there anything else I have to get with the new alternator?

yes, you did, but don't worry about it, you probably need another one anyway. I did the same thing to mine because it was toast and making noise, and I wanted the goddamned thing off so I could put a new one on, and it DOESN'T take much to put it in the condition you described! I'll vouch for that. I was really careful putting the new one on. That explains how one ends up with shot bearings after driving around with the fan belt too tight.