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Alternator help needed
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:02 am
by sikastalker
Hi People
just new to this site. Need some help ive got oil coming from the alternator. This is the 2nd replacement that my machanic has put in. First one failed so he changed it now oils coming from it. Alt is still under warrenty so thats ok but should i be expected to pay the labour to change? last time i was charged $180 to change the alt? is this fair as ill no doublt get charged this again?
any help would be great
Re: Alternator help needed
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 10:08 am
by lax2wlg
Is this on a terrano? Pretty sure setup is the same on GQ Patrol, though I have never owned one. (one day)
The oil could be the vacuum pump on the back of the alt, needs flat sealing washers on the connection where it bolts to the pump.
$180 is ridiculous to swap the alt, unbolt the oil feed/return, unbolt the main 12v supply, unclip the connector on the back, remove vacuum lines, loosen top bolt, pull belt off, fully remove top bolt, remove lower bolt(s), out she comes.
Can post a photo if it helps.
People tell me the td27 has a reputation for eating alternators, I've been through one already and have another as a trail spare.
Re: Alternator help needed
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 10:26 am
by sikastalker
Cheers for that. I know how to take alt out but machanic wont let me otherwise it wont be under warrenty if i damage it. No leaking from the vac pump. Most oil is dribbling out underneith and some out the front of alt. Alts a bit of a mess with oil really.
Re: Alternator help needed
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 11:19 am
by mud_slinger
could be the o ring or the oil seal between the vac pump and the alt housing. the splined shaft could have a wear groove on it from the oil seal
Re: Alternator help needed
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 5:56 pm
by skidmark
brand new alternator? when we have a brand new alt shit itself at work, the warrenty covers the removal/refit so no cost to customer
Re: Alternator help needed
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 7:11 pm
by sikastalker
Yea alt was brand new. was only put in a few months back. comes with 12 month warrenty. Will be having a chat to machanic during week so will be asking him why im having to pay ( this is the 2nd time now )
Re: Alternator help needed
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:37 pm
by sibainmud
Interesting situation
180 to swap a unit under warranty is a bit on the nose.
It will be the oil seal on the shaft that can only be accessed by disassembling the alternator. Reasons why may vary. Seal failure will be the suppliers problem but this can be caused by the drain hose/tail fitting into the block having a restriction or blockage (mechanics problem). The issue now is the oil contamination of the brushes and slip rings. Exchange the unit is your best option and i would insist on it.
I would start quoting the consumers guarantee act to him and say if it is the units failure he gets the labour off the supplier and if it was a blockage then it is his problem none of which are your problem or should be at your expense
Best of luck.
Cheers,
Re: Alternator help needed
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:33 pm
by sikastalker
Thanks for your help guys. Terrano went in to machanic today but wont be ready till tomorrow so that sux. Had a moan at machanic as to why last time i got charged and he didnt have anything to say. Still wouldnt mine my $180 back! Good news is im not getting charged this time