Greetings from Bolivia and alternator issue

[Pablo Sanjines B]

Hi
've been following the page for some time and finally decided join. I basically do all the maintenance work in my cars. I use the explorer for family trip and I´ve been having problems lately. That’s why I made some research in the web and found the forums here very useful. The latest issue with the exp was the alternator bearings , they just blew up causing failure in the charging system so I change the bearings and the brushes when all the alternator work was done I blew up the bolt in the belt tensioner pulley so I had to change this too. Well after all the issues were solved I made a test drive and the battery light went on so I tested all the system again and the issue was a blown 15 amp fuse in the fuse box at the engine compartment, after all evereithing was solved but the alternator heats up a lot do anyone knows the normal operational temperature of the alternator?.

Kind Regards

 

[Turdle]

The temperature of the alternator will vary with the load put on it. I will assume the battery was drained a bit, which would draw quite a bit of charge current, and create quite a bit of heat. I would try to drive it with no accessories , heater, Ac, headlights, radios, or any other devices switched on. Of course try to stay near home in case of trouble.

After a few miles of driving you should be able to park the truck at home, let it cool off well, then check the alternator temperature again while the engine idles.

You might check the voltage with the engine off, and again while at idle.

Also,with engine off, disconnect the positive battery cable. place an ammeter in series with the positive battery cable (- probe) and positive battery post (+ probe) just to check for parasitic power drain or a short circuit to ground.



I moved this thread to the 1991-1994 sub forum for better views. I have a newer truck but I could let it idle for a bit with everything switched on, then shoot it with an infrared thermometer. I will post results, since I am bored and this seems pretty easy to do.

Welcome, and good luck!

 

[Turdle]

With lights, AC and rear blower all running I measured temps as high as 200 degrees F toward the rear of the alternator, between the 2 cables.

 

[Pablo Sanjines B]

Thanks turdle
Will try to measure the temp today after work, if cant will do it on Saturday, I will take pictures and post them. Also I made some research in the web and I found out that the case temp in 2000+ models is around 200 for models between 1990 to 2000 the temp should be around 180
Thanks again