Alternator Compatibility

Afternoon guys,

Well after a proper overnight charge of the battery, its now starting easily again, and the compresser is turning freely, much to my relief!
Its still got no alternator output though, so without knowing whats actually wrong with the unit, I don't know if I have the time to rebuild it... I don't mind giving it a try though, problem is I've no way of determining the model number of it to obtain replacement parts, because the sticker has been damaged. Its a Valeo, but thats as much as I know unfortunately.

Assuming (big assumption I know), that the Xantia diesel alternator is the same physical and cable fit, is there any harm in putting it in the XM, given that it will be of a higher rating?
I'm going to go over and look at the Xantia later, doubt it'll fit, but worth a check...

Ciarán

This post has been edited by Ciaran on March 02, 2008 03:28 pm

Ciaran, glad it was just flat battery giving starting probs, they do drain very quickly running the car if not getting charged. Starter pack really helped me out when it happened to me, ut I didn't have 2 cars then.

I will have a look at the replacement one in my car in a while, see what I can find.

It is your S1 2.0i with the issue, isn't it?

This post has been edited by DrTim on March 02, 2008 05:35 pm

Hi Tim,

It is the S1 2.0i yep. Appreciate you having a look at your model number if you get a chance

Cheers

Ciarán

There's a photo of my alternator here if it helps?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7328220@N02/2...57601599817022/

Steve.

Hi Ciaran

If the Xantia alternator fits and the pulley is the correct size and type, I don't see a problem.

Peter.N.

I was thinking "Hmmm... mine is absolutely nothing like that, why", then I woke up and realised you have a 2.5TD... doh!

Cheers

Ciarán

Thanks Peter, that's good to know for future reference.

Unfortunately they're not a physical match, two of the mounts look like they might line up. but the last is completely different. Aha well, was worth a try

I should have a 2nd hand alternator being dropped off at some stage today, just hope it works

Ciarán

Sorry for the lack of updates on this, has been an extremely hectic week.

Anyway, I ended up sticking a 2nd hand alternator (thanks Willie! ) into it on Monday night.
This will probably stupidly basic to most of you, but as I'd never had to touch an alternator on an XM before (S2's bearings went but Willie Johnson swapped it for me while undertaking some other work), so I wasn't sure how to get the bottom bolt undone.

I surmised that the tensioner pulley needed to come off, so jacked it up and removed the lower wheel arch liner. I then discovered that on the 2.0i at least, the tensioner is just bolted to the end of the alternator bolt, and is a doddle to take off. Furthermore, its perfectly do-able from above, but I didn't realise this until I had a better view of it from the arch side. That was a welcome relief, I had visions of strange spring loaded arrangements as with the 2.5 etc.
What made me a bit dubious before I started, was Mr. Haynes saying "The drivebelt arrangement varies widely from model to model depending on specification, but should be self explanatory." I was like "Yeah, brilliant, thanks a lot lads! "

All sorted now though. The old unit still looks in good physical condition, so I'll have to see if I can work out whats wrong with it and replace the brushes, diodes etc, then keep it as a spare. The pulley on it is in perfect condition, unlike the unit I put on, which had a wee bit of surface corrosion, and had to be wire brushed to clean it up a bit.

Thanks a lot for all the help guys, really appreciate it.

Cheers

Ciarán

This post has been edited by Ciaran on March 07, 2008 03:46 pm