Anyone knows how to change a fuse for charge system (alternator)?
Today I saw Batt light shew up while I drove. And Batt gauge kept going down 15-14-12 and to 10 Volt. I think it might be fuse for charging system. Any thought and where is it?

 

I don't think there's such a thing as a alternator fuse.. but then what do I know.

 

the problem I recently had - time to change the alternator I suspect :-(

As far as I know there is no fuse anywhere in the charging system (too much current flow).

Changing the alternator (or alternator regulator) is fairly easy and the parts are available for less than $200 for a complete alternator or less than $30 if it's just the regulator.

But I suggest you check your battery voltage with an accurate DVM and see how it holds up under load at various engine RPM - if only to be sure it's the alternator before you dive in.

 

Thanks. Where is regulator?

 

is an integral part of the alternator (attached to the rear housing of the alternator) - to replace it you have to remove the alternator, which is why I opted to change the whole alternator unit while I was at it.

In my case I didn't know if it was the alternator or just the regulator, but didn't want the hassle of removing the alternator twice if I guessed wrong.

 

Thanks. I confused with current distributor that has fuse.

 

Depending on the mileage of the car (or running time) it is most likely the brushes that need changing. Unfortunatelly in most cases when the brushes need changing it is the brass/copper races that the brushes ride on that need to be changed/refurbished too at the same time. Look up a few shops that specialize in alternator and starter refurbishing (I know a few in chicago if anyone needs help) and you can get it done for a good price.

 

There's been reports of the alternator failing fairly early - possibly caused by corrosion.

Seems that if the car is washed then left to stand water settles on the alternator and over time causes extensive corrosion.

Certainly when I took my defective alternator off it was showing extensive corrosion around the rectifiers - but the brushes and slip rings looked fine.

Now when I wash the car I put a plastic sheet over the top of the engine (and make it visible such that I don't forget to remove it afterwards !) This keeps the alternator protected from water.

I found a vendor on ebay who sells brand new alternators (no core exchange) for $200 - hardly worth having the old one rebuilt.

 

Ebay vendor that you mentioned, is it good quality?
I think my AL is gone for leting it charged nearly empty Batt 4-5 time.
My car was repaired and modded also waited for parts. I sometime jump start and let alternator charge Battery.

 

I don't want to incur the wrath of the 6speed gods by recommending a vendor who is not a sponsor :-( so check your PM's for details.

EDIT - note there's two different types of pulleys fitted to the alternator depending on if you have a tip or six speed.

The six speed uses a clutch pulley on the alternator input shaft - make sure you order the right one to match your tranny.

Tim

 

Alternators tend to use fusible links not fuses to protect them FWIW. They fry more slowly under heavier than normal current. I do not know for sure that the P-car uses this but it's what i've seen in most other cars. Amperage is just to high for a normal type fuse...

 

Thanks for link, Tim.

 

timf can you send me the link also?

 

check your PM's

Tim