alternator problems help please

[foosh944]

Hey all I picked up my 944 s2 yesterday morning then last night went out for a drive. Went to come home and the battery was dead not even the clock worked. After calling out a recovery truck they jumpstarted the car and it was running fine but they insisted taking it home as the voltage at the battery was fluctuating from 12v- 16v went to start it this morning and nothing.

Any ideas as to what it could be I have a new battery to put on it but is there a separate voltage regulator on it or is it a case of new alternator.

If so where can I get one got a price of euro car parts fro £305 - £75 when I send the old one back.

If you can help that would be great even better if you have a spair alternator you could donate lol.

Thanks Simon

 

[zcacogp]

Chuff - £300 for an alternator! They were £200 when I bought one a few years back ...

Sounds like it could be a voltage regulator, although it may be other things as well. Certainly don't buy parts until you are sure you know what you need (i.e. have diagnosed the problem, which you haven't done yet so keep your money in your pocket when you look at batteries.) Checking the battery should be done under load, and that's a good place to start. Next step would be to check the voltage regulator, which isn't difficult if you know what you are doing.

Stupid Q but you are sure there isn't anything electrical left on, is there? Check the glovebox light and suchlike as that would explain the flat battery.


Oli.

 

[foosh944]

So is the voltage regulator separate from the alternator in these then?? Also are there any work shop manuals for these or any in PDF format on line??

 

[repsol]

if you have a meter fit the new battery as if its completely gone open circuit it plays havoc with voltage readings test with new battery on it wont do any damage as long as you dont run it for a long time only test purpose if then it ok 13/14 volts ish it all good if not the reg will be on the rear of the unit some are changeable some not hope this helps

 

[zcacogp]

Yes, I think the voltage regulator is seperate and can be changed as a part, but it is often a false economy to do so; if it has gone pop and the rest of the alternator is 20+ years old you'd do better to replace the whole lot.

Clarks Garage is the place to look for workshop manuals. Or the pukka Porsche manuals.

CG: http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/repair-procedure-index3.htm

Promax and cannell.co.uk both used to have the Porsche manuals but I can't see them on there at the mo. A bit of googling will sort you out though.


Oli.

 

[foosh944]

Thank you for that it looks like just the thing I was looking for

 

[foosh944]

If it is a problem with the regulator where would the best place be to get one im new to the Porsche game so not sure on suppliers just yet

 

[Catamax944]

Yes the regulator is separate and cheap also . You should consider doing a full refurb if you are at it ,it will give your alternator many trouble free years of service.
It is not hard at all to rebuild it ,it takes just a few hours ,you have to take it out anyway to change the regulator.
I bought the kit from this vendor http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Repair-kit-bosch-alternator-old-type-bearings-regulator-sliprings-bear-cap-/150805563519?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item231cb6487f . It has everything you need for a proper rebuild. I however did not use the new slipring ,i didn't want to tackle that part , i prefered just sanding to a smooth surface the old one ,a bit more simple than having to solder the new one in.

 

[foosh944]

thank you also I have just put the battery on it from my 2lt skoda and it fires up but struggles what power should the battery have watts/amps etc I was thinking of upgrading the battery any way to a dry cell as that's what I've always used on my cars

 

[Catamax944]

60Ah is fine with 600A cold cranking however if you manage to fit something bigger it would be better . I fitted a bosch 70Ah one once,it's tight ,size differs a bit from one manufacturer to another.

When the alternator is working fine it should charge 13.8-14v constant.

 

[foosh944]

Well I went out this morning with fingers crossed to the car and it started with abit of a struggle but it started im going to go and get a bigger and better battery tomorrow morning it's what is used for in car entertainment so rather small but pack plenty of punch (abit like my ex lol) and will see if that helps.

On the plus side I went out for a beer or 2 last night and bumped into a friend of mine and his brother was up for the weekend just happens that he works for Porsche ended up chatting to him for quite some time and he said if there are any parts I need all I have to do is text him the part number and he will sort it out with a lovely price glad I went out after work now

 

[peanut]

Porsche regulators can be got from GSF for £11.40 free post.
Why don't you get the charging system checked by a professional.Your local halfords would probably do it. the most it could cost is half hours labour. It will cost shirt buttons and then you'll know iwhat new parts you need if any.
if the brushes in the alternator have worn out its an easy cheap DIY job but a new battery wouldn't help thathttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280783869226?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[Catamax944]

ORIGINAL: peanut

Porsche regulators can be got from GSF for £11.40 free post.
Why don't you get the charging system checked by a professional.Your local halfords would probably do it. the most it could cost is half hours labour. It will cost shirt buttons and then you'll know iwhat new parts you need if any.
if the brushes in the alternator have worn out its an easy cheap DIY job but a new battery wouldn't help thathttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280783869226?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

The brushes are part of the regulator ,they come together on these alternators.

 

[peanut]

ORIGINAL: Catamax944



The brushes are part of the regulator ,they come together on these alternators.

the regulator is an electronic device that stabilises and regulates the electrical power supply and the brushes are a mechanical part that contact the commutator so I don't understand how you think they 'come together ' unless you mean they can be supplied as a refurbishment kit ?

 

[Catamax944]

I know exactly what they are , i mean that on our alternators they come as one piece . I have rebuilt mine completely.

 

[Catamax944]

this is how it looks

 

[Nick Ashby]

The alternator for my 968 engined 924 packed up at the weekend as well. Check the regulator as others have said but if you need a replacement I just bought a 90 amp unit from GSF Parts. £85+VAT for a reconditioned Delco unit. I notice most 944s specify a 115 amp alternator though.

 

[foosh944]

Hey I had it all checked out by the garage and it was just a duff battery £75 for a new one and it's sorted :-D

 

[Catamax944]

ORIGINAL: Nick Ashby

The alternator for my 968 engined 924 packed up at the weekend as well. Check the regulator as others have said but if you need a replacement I just bought a 90 amp unit from GSF Parts. £85+VAT for a reconditioned Delco unit. I notice most 944s specify a 115 amp alternator though.

early cars (82-85.5) had the 90Amp unit and later (85.5-91) cars had the 115Amp unit

 

[peanut]

ORIGINAL: Catamax944

this is how it looks

thanks for the info and image.

I haven't personally rebuilt a 944 alternator so I was unaware that the regulator was fixed to the brush pack . Thanks for putting me right on that

GSF have used the wrong image but hopefuly the price is correct as it is a lot cheaper than from the Porsche parts dept[].