OK - I know - how long is a piece of string... I am coming up for major work on both my wife's Magna and my Pajero - timing belts on both - 200000 km. The last time I did these jobs, it was a real mongrel to get the alternators out, so a logical question would be to ask " what is involved in overhauling an alternator?"
Typically, whenever we drive on a regular road, we have the headlights on low beam - saying "Here I am - don't hit me!". This is especially so during winter months with oncoming skiers. Therefore, the alternator is always feeding at least low beam lights - probably 10 amps lights and another 5 amps for other things. The Magna has a 130 amp alternator and the Pajero 85 amps from memory, so it is not heavy loading, but is constant.
Hence my question- what is a typical alternator life?
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Expected alternator life
Moderator: -Scott-
hey mate... i would suggest pulling them apart and having a look.
you are right though. how long is a piece of string
i have fitted new alternators and had them come back the next day with an internal fault.. and they were brand name alternators not replacements.
i would check brush length and also and solder joints unside and just overall condition.
you are right though. how long is a piece of string
i have fitted new alternators and had them come back the next day with an internal fault.. and they were brand name alternators not replacements.
i would check brush length and also and solder joints unside and just overall condition.
Just replaced my reg on my paj 5000km ago, was origional like everything else in the car it had done 335000km, but on that note ive replaced them at 80000km so whatever makes you feel safe but i always carry a spare reg in my tool box easy to change on the side of the road and not expensive.
93 NJ,5 speed,2" body lift,32" muddies
There's nuttn like momentum
There's nuttn like momentum
Thanks Guys for your comments. What I really wanted to know is how long should the brushes and regulator last? I know with the regulator it is an electronic component and therefore will suddenly fizz at an indeterminate time, but is there a typical life?
Also, what length are the brushes when new and when they need replacement? (do the brushes and regulator come as a complete package?)
Typically, how much for a new set of brushes and a regulator? - I am trying to anticipate any problems in advance so I can hopefully head them off before they become major.
Also, what length are the brushes when new and when they need replacement? (do the brushes and regulator come as a complete package?)
Typically, how much for a new set of brushes and a regulator? - I am trying to anticipate any problems in advance so I can hopefully head them off before they become major.
slightly of topic... but there are numerous copies of major brand starters and alternators out there whci even include forged logos etc etc.
sometimes these are even sold by reputable stores knowingly ( they buy cheap copies and pass off as the real thing.... ).
Parts are unfortunately in the same boat.
Sometimes impossible to spot the difference until they pack it in and the manufacturer looks at it and teels you its a fake - not happy.
sometimes these are even sold by reputable stores knowingly ( they buy cheap copies and pass off as the real thing.... ).
Parts are unfortunately in the same boat.
Sometimes impossible to spot the difference until they pack it in and the manufacturer looks at it and teels you its a fake - not happy.
( usual disclaimers )
It seemed like a much better idea when I started it than it does now.
It seemed like a much better idea when I started it than it does now.
hey mates brushes range in size from as litlle as 15mm to 20mm ( and other sizes but these arent as common) they will wear down to pretty much nothing..
it is really hard to say how long they should last.. many things effect how they wear.. water, oil, dust can all make them wear faster.
the quality of the slip ring ( the surface they run on) ( i have heard of people leaving the slip ring rough and course to wear the brushes away quicker)
the slip ring can also wear away..
both your cars should be running either a mitsubishi brand alternator or a bosch unit.
in the mitsubishi unit the brushes are severate to the regulator.. they sit in a box that is soldered to the regulator. with these we tend to replace just the brushes, as regs can stupidly expensive for these.
with the bosch units the brushes are built into the reg, these can also be changed, but the regs for bosch units are quite cheap as a whole.
hey mighty mouse.. who have you been dealing with?? never heard of that happening. not saying that it doesnt. but people doing that is so wrong.
it is really hard to say how long they should last.. many things effect how they wear.. water, oil, dust can all make them wear faster.
the quality of the slip ring ( the surface they run on) ( i have heard of people leaving the slip ring rough and course to wear the brushes away quicker)
the slip ring can also wear away..
both your cars should be running either a mitsubishi brand alternator or a bosch unit.
in the mitsubishi unit the brushes are severate to the regulator.. they sit in a box that is soldered to the regulator. with these we tend to replace just the brushes, as regs can stupidly expensive for these.
with the bosch units the brushes are built into the reg, these can also be changed, but the regs for bosch units are quite cheap as a whole.
hey mighty mouse.. who have you been dealing with?? never heard of that happening. not saying that it doesnt. but people doing that is so wrong.
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