Alternator fix on the 3.6

[ischmitz]

Today I was messing around with my idle and all of a sudden my tachometer stopped working and the alternator light was flickering. A quick test with the voltmeter confirmed the alternator wasn't charging. System voltage was only around 10.8 volts with the engine running. Not good.....

I decided to yank the alternator and do the single-hub conversion at the same time. I just did the same conversion on Mike's car to replace the hub bearing so the procedure was still fresh in my mind. A quick trip to the alternator shop and $3.84 later the culprit was quickly identified as worn brushes and I was on my way home with a set of new brushes. Thanks to Mike for the ride. See here for a comparison of the old and the new brush.



Here is the regulator/brush assembly with the new brushes installed. They are crimped and soldered in. Of course I burned my thumb trying to desolder the old brushes.





Then all went back together with the single hub from our host. This should also free a couple of ponies to put a little more distance between Mike and me at the next autocross



A quick test and the voltage is at a healthy 13.2 volts with the alternator charging at idle. I am glad this happened at home and not somewhere on the road. Happy 4th of July