Sealing up an alternator - is it possible ?

[ringo]

I fitted an alternator last august after a pay and play day seemed to kill it.

6 months later, i've had to change it again (after yet another pay and play day!). This time i had a look at it and the brushes were worn away.

It seems that these QA alternators dont like wading and the like. A small bit of grit in there and it destroys the alternator.

I was wondering what options are opened to me regarding stopping this. I dont really want to be changing alternators every 6 months (this one is under warranty but the landy's been off the road for a week).

Is it possible to seal them ? I somehow doubt it.

What do people in the desert use ?

Thanks

Ringo

[Evilgoat]

No, airflow is needed to keep it cool. Seal it and it'll melt instead :)

Preventitive maintainance will help. Some nice thick grease on the bearings from time to time will stop gunk getting into them. Check the brushes from time to time as these are probobly what is giving out. And last but not least, give it a good cleaning out after you've had a play.

[tonycougar]

How do you clean it out???

[Budgie]

Well, if you've just thrown it into a muddy puddle then a pressure wash, with the engine running, ain't going to do any more harm is it.  

But keep the nozzle at a distance from the front of the alt so as not to blast the wiring inside.

[Evilgoat]

Well, if you've just thrown it into a muddy puddle then a pressure wash, with the engine running, ain't going to do any more harm is it.  

But keep the nozzle at a distance from the front of the alt so as not to blast the wiring inside.

What he said. Lots of grease on the terminals helps too, this will come off with a pressure wash and fresh stuff can be applied.

Just FYI I'm on Alternator 4 in a year :)

[ringo]

I agree - i will have to give it a good clean.

I always have - but having experiment i now know extreme measures are required.

This will involve getting all the air filter pipes, turbo pipes etc out of the way, unscrewing the three bolts that keep on the brush/diode pack and then cleaning it.

All in all, a bit of pain to do.

Hey ho.....

Sweet jesus - 4 alternators! Makes my two look pathetic. I hope you got them on warranty.... In future, im going to get a new brush/diode pack and change that before i get a new alternator - £17 as oppossed to £60!

Ringo

[extreme90]

:lol:
thank yourself lucky, ive lost count of how many alternators ive fitted to mine  :roll:
its gritty water that gets in there and grinds it down  :roll:
i just give it a good power wash off after (engine running) then leave the hose onit for 5 mins afterwards let it flush whats left out
its just one of them things, if you dont want replace them then dont go into mucky water  :lol:
dan

[jjsaul]

i must be lucky....havn't killed one yet despite many muddy dunkings!

[fudge]

I find it best to lay the vehicle carefully on its side so that the muddy silty stuff flows out nicely..... like this----->
:lol:
Just mind you don't bump your head..... hurts like feck and makes you a bit spaced out for a minute or two!

[extreme90]

:roll:
why everytime i see a zuki, are they always on there side  :roll:

[ringo]

I find it best to lay the vehicle carefully on its side so that the muddy silty stuff flows out nicely

Hee hee. And the petrol.........