Stuffed Alternator and Associated Problem

[Clint]

Help! My alt. had been making unusual noises for the last few weeks. It finaly decided to crap itself on a 4wd trip on the weekend. (collapsed front brg) I was able to drive it home but on the way the engine began to loose power and it sounded like it wasn't running on all cylinders. I thought it could have been a symtom of the stuffed alt. but i have since replaced the alt. and the engine is still doing the same thing. It's running very rough at idle, sounds like it is missing and lacks power. I replaced the sparkplugs thismorning without any change. Any ideas?

[murcod]

Maybe try checking the voltage it's putting out at the battery? Check both the DC and AC voltages with the engine running to check it's outputing enough DC voltage and that your regulator is working (ie there should be very little AC). Hopefully you didn't damage anything by running your battery down low while the engine was operating- your EFI wouldn't have been too happy!

PS: I take it you've got an exchange alternator and didn't just replace the bearing in your old one?

[HeathGQ]

Sounds like one for a specialist.

[Clint]

Yeah, i replaced the alt. with a reconditioned one. Everything is working fine with the alt. side of things. It charging at the correct rate etc. But the engine just won't run properly.

Will be looking into it more today.

Just for everyone interest;
Reconditioned alternator from auto elect. $320. Next day delivery.
New genuine alternator from Daihatsu $1100 3 weeks from Japan.

I bet u can guess which one i got

[JD]

Will be interested on the outcome Clint, I posted the problem ages ago and have not fixed it yet, full service and all. Only is a problem when cold, once it is warm it's OK.

[Clint]

Well after a lot of investigation I have fixed the problem.
I replaced the distributor cap and leads and now it runs perfect.

Looking closely at the lead for now 1 cylinder there was what looked like a crack in the plastic insulation and I think the 'spark' may have been escaping through there and reducing the amount going to the plug.

There was also a build up of something on the terminals inside the distributor cap.

I don't know if the alternator problem had anything to do with this or not.
Probably just a coincidence

[SimplyPV]

clint.. i would think that you would know whenever you change ur spark plugs.... thats when u change ur cap, points, wires, and fuel pump filter.... maybe thats jus me but still.... my 2 cents worth