Alternator Replacement

[Silvertip]

Removed old alternator (23 years old) plan to fit a Lucas replacement tomorrow, what I wasn’t expecting is the plastic air vent cowling attached was completely blocked with leaves! I searched a few previous posts where a member said his alternator was “hotter than the sun” not sure if this has been mentioned before, worth a if running hot,!
An update on my earlier post few years back where I got lots of friendly abuse called a “Garage Granny” etc; because of my low mileage Z3 .2.8, could you please refer to me as “Garage Grandpa” (more appropriate) when I post my latest mileage.
Z3 23 years old.
19,500 miles
Good news taxed from 1st June

 

[mwpe]

It is worth cleaning out that alternator cooling vent occasionally, I checked mine after a vsit to the Z shed where it was mentioned and it was full of leaves. Now a regular check item.

 

[Dunkelgrun]

Removed old alternator (23 years old) plan to fit a Lucas replacement tomorrow, what I wasn’t expecting is the plastic air vent cowling attached was completely blocked with leaves! I searched a few previous posts where a member said his alternator was “hotter than the sun” not sure if this has been mentioned before, worth a if running hot,!
An update on my earlier post few years back where I got lots of friendly abuse called a “Garage Granny” etc; because of my low mileage Z3 .2.8, could you please refer to me as “Garage Grandpa” (more appropriate) when I post my latest mileage.
Z3 23 years old.
19,500 miles
Good news taxed from 1st June

Thanks for pointing this out, I wasn’t even aware this was a thing. Checked mine yesterday and critters had gotten into the cowling, full of leaves and nest stuff and acorns... my 23 year old alternator will surely run happier now

 

[Delk]

When I replace mine I found it blocked. The bearings had failed and not the electrics so the duct and cooling wasn't the issue. I am sure it didnt make it better.

I had never seen a force cooled alternator before this time. normally they just have the built on fan.

A year later the under tray departed the car on the motor way taking the ducting with it. It has been fine for two years now and with the intercooler piping I have now installed the factory ducting wouldn't fit anyways.