Alternator Clutch Issues

[DeadVic]

My MM is a '03 300A, build 8/02, has 42K miles and is garaged and covered. Never seen snow and very seldom rain. Underhood is spotless and all my connections are like new, as is most of the car. Still got that new car smell when I open the doors and trunk! Gotta love it.

I just replaced the battery this morning cause the light came on Friday night while on date with wife and even if it turned out to be an alternator issue, it was time. Everything went well with that operation; no issues.

Started up, and still no volts above 11.8-12. Battery light is still on.

Upon futher investigation, I found the pully clutch is not engaging the alternator. During engine shut down I can hear the pulling (or internals) still spinning for a few seconds as it winds down.

I assume I must have an entire new alternator. Is this correct? What is the proper Ford p/n? I'm not going to mess around with aftermarket after reading the other thread out here this week. Not worth the headache.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[MENINBLK]

This is normal...
Mine has been making the same sounds for 73,000 miles...
It is a one way clutch.

Check all of your cables, all along their routes.
Look for the power junction and make sure it is clean and tight.

[DeadVic]

I'm back on the road. I had a shop rebuild/repair the original alternator.

Here is what the issues with my Alternator turned out to be:

-Bad Relay in the Alternator
-Spring broken
-For peace of mind, had the bearings repacked with heavier duty bearings.

Total cost was $110 (maybe a little steep, but this shop is good and I trust them). I also replaced the battery since it was nearly five years old. Everything is up an running fine. No issues with the dash light! knock on wood...

[SamF]

I'm back on the road. I had a shop rebuild/repair the original alternator.



Good for you! I tried that once...it went terribly wrong, never again! :lol:

[warren]

DV,
Mine did that and it was the plug in plug on the top.
Try pressing it back in and move the wires to it.
Good luck.
Warren

[GreekGod]

$110 is a fair price, for a "carry in" part.

[RCSignals]

I thought these alternators didn't do well when rebuilt?

[GreekGod]

I thought these alternators didn't do well when rebuilt?

I have a local, long established rebuilder. They rebuilt the Bosch starter for my BMW, for $80. The solenoid alone was $80 from a "discount" parts supplier. The owner (a woman) told me she had the equiptment to rebuild Bosch solenoids!

When I brought in the starter, I complained about it not turning over when it got warm. She picked it up, wiggled the drive gear, and told me I had worn bushings. It seems the field coils have very close clearance to the armature, and they were shorting out because of the slop.

When you go where they know what they are doing, you are in good hands. Mail order rebuilders charge about $80 labor, plus parts, and 2-way shipping.

[RCSignals]

I have a local, long established rebuilder. They rebuilt the Bosch starter for my BMW, for $80. The solenoid alone was $80 from a "discount" parts supplier. The owner (a woman) told me she had the equiptment to rebuild Bosch solenoids!

When I brought in the starter, I complained about it not turning over when it got warm. She picked it up, wiggled the drive gear, and told me I had worn bushings. It seems the field coils have very close clearance to the armature, and they were shorting out because of the slop.

When you go where they know what they are doing, you are in good hands. Mail order rebuilders charge about $80 labor, plus parts, and 2-way shipping.

Good to know about the starter, but there may be a difference rebuilding the alternator.

From past threads I remember a few people not having much success.
Ford offers rebuilds of many such items but I don't think they offer out alternator in rebuilt form. Maybe that's changed.

[GreekGod]

My rebuilder is a complete automotive electrical shop. They do custom built high-output alternators, starters, batteries, cables, etc. A real old-fashioned gem of a business.

[RCSignals]

any business like that is hard to find these days for sure