How HOT should the alternator get?

[spotdog14]

So, if you guys have read my other post in here my alternator went out two days ago, and i finally got around to getting a new one. I got one for $30 from the junk yard i use to work at, anyways it makes a whirrring sound, but i guess that is normalish.

Anyways the alternator gets really hot to the touch after a 45 minute drive home from the place... is that normal? I dont remember the other one getting really hot...

its hot not warm to the touch, but if i had to i could keep my hand on it without getting burnt i think... lol...

 

[shamaal]

It should not get any hotter than the engine it's bolted to. If it gets really hot quickly, the bearing's bad. This happened on the second alternator I had. It would get hot enough to burn in less than 5 minutes. No apparent impact on the power output, but I returned it under the lifetime warranty.

 

[spotdog14]

It should not get any hotter than the engine it's bolted to. If it gets really hot quickly, the bearing's bad. This happened on the second alternator I had. It would get hot enough to burn in less than 5 minutes. No apparent impact on the power output, but I returned it under the lifetime warranty.

i have 30 days... so how hot is to hot? lol that is a stupid sounding question but ill ask it anyways... haha

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Well remember you have a bunch of wire windings inside that of coarse one down side to electricity is heat. Those windings are somewhat exposed and their right near a 150+ degree motor. Best way to find out if theres a problem, get a digital thermo. and get two cars and see if they're similar or way off.

-Drew

 

[shamaal]

Turn the engine on cold, run it for a couple minutes. If the alternator's hotter than the engine - there's a problem. Exercise caution around a running engine.

 

[spotdog14]

Turn the engine on cold, run it for a couple minutes. If the alternator's hotter than the engine - there's a problem. Exercise caution around a running engine.

lol you mean i should not try to stop the radiator fan with my hand? hahah

Alright ill give that a try later today. Thanks for the info guys!