my alternator is not turning

[fred79]

i don't know what is causing this but if i look at the alternato the wired inside don't turn and the belt is spinning on the pully. what could cause this a bad alternator. belt not tight enough. i have a 95 with the rear mounted regulator. the alternator isn't one of those ones that only turns when neccesary could it? i have never seen one not turning can any one help me with what this could be and how i can test the belt for tightness.
thanks guys

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

not too sure how to test the belt for tightness but it sounds like it might be your problem. is the belt new or old? if its old chuck it. i think the chiltons or haynes manual will tell you how to increase tension.

 

[fred79]

should i be able to turn the alternator by hand i couldn't do it but i will look into it more.
thanks

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

fred79:
should i be able to turn the alternator by hand i couldn't do it but i will look into it more.
thanks

Yes, the alternator should free-spin. Its just an electric motor (but produces energy by being spun rather than uses energy to spin).

Although Ive never seen an alternator that was completely "frozen", Id say the bearings in the alternator are shot.
Sounds to me like you need an alternator frown

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

Yes, the alternator should free-spin. Its just an electric motor (but produces energy by being spun rather than uses energy to spin).

Although Ive never seen an alternator that was completely "frozen", Id say the bearings in the alternator are shot.
Sounds to me like you need an alternator

agreed, sorry man frown

 

[jbeano]

I had the pleasure of having the bearings on the alternator go on one of the coldest nights of the year out in the country. I ended up cutting the belt out and driving down the road to the nearest farm.

 

[fred79]

rejoice my friend checked again today and its is spinning and putting out voltage but sounds bad making alot of noise either way its ashort repreive.
if i run a voltage tester between teh batteries and the alternator is making juice shouldn't it come up around 14 volts?
can't check amps my meter only goes up to 10 amps.

 

[projectSHO89]

Go replace the alternator, don't worry about the charging current.

If your bearings froze yesterday but are turning today with a lot of noise, you don't have much time.

It will probably fail when you need it most, so get it replaced immediately.

Did I mention, DON'T WAIT!!!

Steve