Blackbird Rush
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| posted on 13/12/09 at 12:26 PM |
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Ford Focus Alternator
Had a problem with the tin top today, a whine has started (comming from the belt end of the engine) 2.0L Duratec 55 plate.
The battery light comes on below about 2000rpm
Looking at the area all the belts seam OK.
Could this be an alternator failure, bearings?
Car has only done 35K miles.
Common problem?
Thanks for any advice
Ash
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rusty nuts
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| posted on 13/12/09 at 01:20 PM |
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Use a multi meter and check the charging rate ! Should be around 14v
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liam.mccaffrey
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| posted on 13/12/09 at 02:55 PM |
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I had a similar problem on my mg zr, the charge light would only stay off below1800rpm. It was a faulty alternator
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02GF74
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| posted on 13/12/09 at 04:08 PM |
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aren't the pulleys susceptible to seizing?
is it easy to slacken the belt and try to spin alternator and pulleys to see if that is the case?
(can't remember but this is not the timing belt - if it is and pulley seized, you risk the belt snapping, not good for yer valves/pistons if the
engine is runnig)
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rusty nuts
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| posted on 13/12/09 at 04:27 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
aren't the pulleys susceptible to seizing?
is it easy to slacken the belt and try to spin alternator and pulleys to see if that is the case?
(can't remember but this is not the timing belt - if it is and pulley seized, you risk the belt snapping, not good for yer valves/pistons if the
engine is runnig)
Duratec has a timing chain and a timing chain fault wouldn't cause the battery light to come on below 2000rpm!
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sminney
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| posted on 13/12/09 at 07:43 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Blackbird Rush
Could this be an alternator failure, bearings?
Car has only done 35K miles.
Common problem?
Thanks for any advice
Ash
yes - its the alternator. Mine did this 2 months after warranty expired!  had the same wine, less than 12v at the battery when the engine was
running.....
good news is its an easy job - accessible from below, there's a nice spring loaded tensioner at the top, nearest the slam panel to get the belt
off, its a bit tight to get the access, biggest issue i found was getting it out below after it was off the block. There's an A/C line in the
way, but managed to wiggle it around it.
at your nearest fraud dealer for £170 + exchange surcharge (or it was last year when i did mine)
HTH
[Edited on 13/12/09 by sminney]
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speedyxjs
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| posted on 13/12/09 at 08:05 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by rusty nuts
quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
aren't the pulleys susceptible to seizing?
is it easy to slacken the belt and try to spin alternator and pulleys to see if that is the case?
(can't remember but this is not the timing belt - if it is and pulley seized, you risk the belt snapping, not good for yer valves/pistons if the
engine is runnig)
Duratec has a timing chain and a timing chain fault wouldn't cause the battery light to come on below 2000rpm!
Alternators belt driven though
How long can i resist the temptation to drop a V8 in?
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rusty nuts
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| posted on 13/12/09 at 08:15 PM |
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How 's that going to damage the valves and pistons????
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Blackbird Rush
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| posted on 15/12/09 at 07:03 AM |
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Well as suspected it is the Alternator, got 6 miles yesterday morning before the battery went flat!
all was well (apart from the whine - no batt light) untill suddenly when pulling up at a roundabout the electrics started to go a bit haywire, so i
found the nearest layby to call the RAC.
Car is now resting in my local garage after the ordeal, surgery due today, so hope to discharge back to me later on (with my wallet a bit lighter!)
The guy fixing it for me said that this is really common with modern cars, the Alternators just dont last very long......
Ta for the help.
Ash
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Angel Acevedo
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| posted on 15/12/09 at 12:26 PM |
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Alternator whine
Think of it as a go-no go audible warning, you wouldn´t keep driving with a low oil pressure light do you?
If you rebuild before failure, it is cheap.
Bearings fail before brushes (most likely), then when it whines, disassemble, change bearings and brushes put back together and off you go....
PS: I think there´s a link posted here to a how to rebuild one. I think it´s too late to do a search
Beware of what you wish.. for it may come true....
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