Can you remove the alternator without removing the radiator?
Some procedures do require removing the radiator to access the alternator, however it appears that it can also be done without removing the radiator, if you are careful and do not mind working with tight clearances. You should be able to remove the alternator from above by removing any…
What should I do before replacing my alternator?
Check the installation paperwork that came with the replacement alternator first before assuming you have the incorrect unit. Carefully align the working alternator mounting holes and loosely install the mounting bolts and nuts. Ensure all the bolt and/or nut threads are started and tighten them evenly.
How to replace an alternator on a 1995 GMC?
Somewhere on your vehicle there is a tensioner pulley. You’ll need to move it enough to slip the belt off the pulley. Our ’95 GMC has a standard spring-loaded GM tensioner that required us to pull it back with a wrench.
Can a manual tensioner be used to replace an alternator?
The belt tensioner will only travel (swing) so far which can make installing the belt difficult. Never pry or force the belt onto the pulley. Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. 7
Some procedures do require removing the radiator to access the alternator, however it appears that it can also be done without removing the radiator, if you are careful and do not mind working with tight clearances. You should be able to remove the alternator from above by removing any…
What do you need to replace an alternator in a car?
In addition to a replacement alternator, you’ll need some tools: 1 Hand tools like ratchets, sockets, and wrenches 2 Belt tensioner tool 3 Gloves and safety gear 4 Battery tender or memory saver, if necessary 5 Jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks, if necessary
Somewhere on your vehicle there is a tensioner pulley. You’ll need to move it enough to slip the belt off the pulley. Our ’95 GMC has a standard spring-loaded GM tensioner that required us to pull it back with a wrench.
What should I do if my alternator is hot?
Really! First and most importantly: disconnect the battery. There may be several wires or just one wire on your alternator, but rest assured that one of them is hot. If you don’t disconnect the battery, you’re very likely to end up grounding a live wire during the process.
What does it mean when your alternator is not working?
That means no starting, no running, no driving. When your alternator is working and doing its job properly, your battery stays charged, your spark plugs have plenty of spark, and all of your vehicles accessories run without issues.
When is it time to replace your alternator?
Your alternator needs to know when each one of those things is plugged in and turned on, so that it can increase power. More importantly, just like with your breathing, your alternator needs to know when to put out less power.
What causes a copper alternator to wear down?
Over time, there are several components in the alternator that naturally wear down. In my experience, it’s either the brushes (magnets) or the voltage regulator that break down the soonest. With the brushes, it’s not very complicated. Think of the copper coil as a piece of sandpaper and the brushes as a common table spoon.
How to know if your alternator is working properly?
1 Check the drive belt or serpentine belt. Look for signs of wear or damage like cuts, shiny spots or missing chunks under the belt. 2 Also, check the belt tensioner for proper operation and damage. It should rotate freely. 3 Make sure the alternator is properly mounted. 4 Check the alternator for noises.
What causes an alternator to go over base voltage?
If you are getting more than 2 volts above base voltage, most likely your alternator is over-charging the battery or the battery is faulty. Other potential problems are a faulty voltage regulator or a problem in the charging system wiring.
Is the alternator at the heart of the charging system?
Dan Ferrell writes about do-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. He has certifications in automation and control technology. The alternator is at the heart of the charging system of your vehicle. Alternator problems and charging system problems can affect your vehicle in different ways.
Is it safe to turn on heated windshield alternator?
But don’t turn on the heated windshield if your vehicle has one; alternator voltage may increase to over 100V and this can be unsafe. Take a voltage reading across the battery posts. Your reading should be at least 0.5 volts above base voltage for your system to keep up with electrical system demands.
Is the thermostat on my new car overheating?
I got a new radiator, which stopped the leaking, but the car was still overheating so then we tried replacing the thermostat but it is overheating even now. I spent my entire check on getting those things fixed, what now? I just got paid again but don’t have much to spare towards getting it fixed, so I need to make it count.
Is the water pump still hot after replacing the radiator?
I have replaced the radiator, water pump, it still run hot. I took out the thermostat and it still run hot when you drive it any distance. The temperature gauge return to normal when it is setting still and running. Help I’m at a lost to the problem. 71 people found this helpful. Did you ever find the cause of this?
Is it easy to replace a car thermostat?
The small and inexpensive vehicle thermostat is critical to engine performance. When it fails, your engine will not operate properly, which could lead to more expensive engine work down the road. Fortunately, car thermostat replacement is easy enough. Here’s a walkthrough on how to replace a thermostat.
Why is my car overheating after replacing the radiator?
Overheating. Just replaced radiator and thermostat, but still hasn’t fixed the problem. My car overheated the other day, and it was leaking coolant horribly. I got a new radiator, which stopped the leaking, but the car was still overheating so then we tried replacing the thermostat but it is overheating even now.
How does the thermostat work in a car?
As the engine warms up, the coolant gets hot, and the thermostat opens. This allows the coolant to circulate through the radiator and back to the engine. Here’s a full breakdown of the thermostat and other cooling system parts. While the vehicle thermostat is a durable part, it’s surrounded by hot coolant and subjected to engine vibrations.