9 replies to this topic

[Benz]

Started Vix up this evening, but the battery light did not go out...

So, battery or alternator?

Mechanic 2 houses up suggested test battery first as could be battery cell. Will do that tomorrow. The battery is a rather old Halfords one.

If alternator, how big a pita? NA...

Undertray, wheel, wheel arch liner, engine mount, unbolt, remove, replace, reverse?

Thanks.

[smiley]

With the engine off, the battery should measure 12.6 volts.
With engine on, the battery should measure between 13,7 and 14.7 volts.

 

So with enigne off, result way under 12.6, get a new battery.
With enigne on, result way under 13.7, get a new alternator.

 

[Benz]

Ok, I note some used alternators on ebay, supposedly off good cars for <£30 or a new one for a bit over £100.

 

Always go for the new one?

 

So that I can plan accordingly, what else should we be replacing when replacing the alternator?  Belt?  Tensioner??

 

How big a job is it on the NA?

 

Thanks all.

[Rosssco]

I've got a refurbed one with a broken casing you can have for not much if it comes to it Scott. Swapping the casing is easy enough if uou can get someone to remove the pulley. I've also 2 dud alternators for spares if required!

 

Its just a PITA job due to access. Need to get in from the wheel arch, but also below. Done it about 3 times last year...

 

May as well replace the belt while there as cheap, but dont bother with tensioner until you go SC as they can chew through them once the supercharger is attached.

[Benz]

Folks,

 

It is the alternator.

 

Any little hints or tips to ensure an efficient replacement?

 

I've read some folks removing engine mount...but is this strictly necessary?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Foxy_Jr]

Folks,

It is the alternator.

Any little hints or tips to ensure an efficient replacement?

I've read some folks removing engine mount...but is this strictly necessary?

Thanks in advance.

Disconnect battery
Under tray off
Arch liner out
Unclip canister gubbins
Remove belt
Undo alternator
Loose some skin from hands
Fumble the alternator out of the gap created by moving the canister whilst bleeding everywhere
Re-fitting is reversal of removal.

Some alternators are held on with normal hex bolts others seem to have torx heads. I didn’t remove the engine mount. Others have said you can get it out from the bottom, I failed to see how that was possible.

HTH!




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[FLD]

Folks,

It is the alternator.

Any little hints or tips to ensure an efficient replacement?

I've read some folks removing engine mount...but is this strictly necessary?

Thanks in advance.

Disconnect battery
Under tray off
Arch liner out
Unclip canister gubbins
Remove belt
Undo alternator
Loose some skin from hands
Fumble the alternator out of the gap created by moving the canister whilst bleeding everywhere
Re-fitting is reversal of removal.

Some alternators are held on with normal hex bolts others seem to have torx heads. I didn’t remove the engine mount. Others have said you can get it out from the bottom, I failed to see how that was possible.

HTH!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re-fitting is reversal of removal

Does this mean blood goes back in and skin reattaches to give baby soft hands?

I did mine through the arch liner and underneath access with no other bits removed. Proper PITA job but do-able and I do have the hands of a small child.

[Rosssco]

Its even more fun for those who fitted a SC - approx 50% less space and 50% more things to get in the way

Edited by Rosssco, 30 May 2019 - 09:22 AM.

[Benz]

Cheers all, also for the PM Ross.

 

I also have relatively small hands, feet and err....

 

Thanks!

[Ali87]

Mine was replaced recently. It was on ramps, middle tray off and accessed from below. Front and rear engine mounts loosened to allow removal. Took an hour for a couple mechanics who were fed up on a Friday evening wanting to go home!