Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega Electrical and Audio Help => Topic started by: Cliffo B on 13 March 2012, 11:34:46

Title: Alternator duff??
Post by: Cliffo B on 13 March 2012, 11:34:46
A right sickener yesterday
Journeyed 60 mls away
Returned back home late last night
Miggy on a flatbed lowloader looking quite sad
It's a firster :'(
Turns out I think to be a total failed alternator
Least just checked output and a big fat zero
So thats off with it SAP
Can't understand why I did'nt get more warning
All there was prior to total voltage failure was the battery light appeared faintly for about 15 mins
Then limp home mode
Then all insruments in frenzied oscillation all in tune with one another
And finally engine died
When I checked battery volts 8.55
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: TheBoy on 13 March 2012, 11:47:21
Yup, thats not an uncommon failure symptom.

It can be refurbed DIY - bearings and new diode packs etc, but given you may need the car, might be best to contact a breaker, put a known good one on, then refurb your old one at your leisure...
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: Cliffo B on 13 March 2012, 12:16:47
Thanks once more TB :y
So it's fairly well confirmed
So there we are
Does anyone have one??
I do need one quickly
Now need to rtn back to my sister's
This happened 5mls from getting to her yesterday
She'll be needing to do a shop
If not I'll contact Steve @ Omega spare parts Heathrow
At about 2.30pm
I seem to remember he can do a next day service
If order recieved before 3pm (if he has one)
 
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: albitz on 13 March 2012, 12:20:59
Iirc there were two possible types for the 3.2. 120A or 140A. Im pretty sure I have a 120A here.If thats what you need Cliff,drop me a PM. :y
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: markfree on 13 March 2012, 13:10:34
If ALBS can't help you out I have a 120 amp one for sale  :y
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: Kevin Wood on 13 March 2012, 13:31:55
Do check the crimped connection on the positive battery terminal first. :y
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: Cliffo B on 13 March 2012, 15:14:01
Thanks Albs :y,seem to remember I queried this in the past
When I had problems that finally inspired me to get the AGF battery
Dealers used my VIN No and came up with 140A
Think estate +Elite Spec does it

Also thanks MF way up there in Bonnie Scotland :y

Ok Kevin,thanks :y
Done a check and everything seems solid
No visible loose copper strands or burnt/melted plastic
@ the battery end anyhow
Looked in Yellow Pages :-[
Time Machine mode  ;D
Found a supplier of the bits possibly req he also repairs them
Need to get a move on and get it off for the type No :y :y
 

Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: zirk on 14 March 2012, 00:56:40
As Kevin says, check poss and neg on Battery, check poss on Battery to neg on vehicle (vehicle earth) then just to make sure, check poss on vehicle, starter motor or Alternator out to neg on battery. 
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: Cliffo B on 14 March 2012, 15:24:50
Did these tests Zirk  Bat+to engine block= bat volts
                     Bat-to alt output terminal= bat volts
Also the Green Flag breakdown guy did some checks came up with
It's the alternator and then ordered the flatbed low loader to get us home
Just ordered an exchange factory recon alternator with 1yr G/tee
Get it hopefully @ 10am tommorrow
Thought I'd best work on a new unit as opposed to a 2nd hand one TB
Thanks Albs for your kind offer  :y
And also MF :y
As I have a contract with Green Flag in the event of breakdown
To return if req both caravan & car back home from anywhere in UK
Just won't look good if a 2nd hand alternator failed
Down in Cornwall or up in Scotland
Bet they'd take a dim view of accepting all costs a 2nd time
So in this event a receipt for a new one should prevent argument
What a pain it's been to get off
Mainly caused by accessability
Pain is the operatve word Arthur's been active in the knuckles :'(
Roll on 10am tomorrow :y

 
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: Cliffo B on 15 March 2012, 12:15:20
Just been to collect Alternator
And guess what it's got differences
Mounting points appear the same although connection positions are slightly different
Major difference is it has a sealed plastic end cap which incorporates an air/ventilation scoop
With a shape on it to accept some form of trunking roughly 2" by 1" oval
Pointing forward and slightly upward with alternator mounted
Question is can anyone help with info on this unit the No is B255
And the plastic end cap has Bosch cast on it



   
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: RobG on 15 March 2012, 12:43:39
Vectra 3.2 :-\
B255 relates to the regulator
http://www.cosmoselectric.com/Prodetail.aspx?MaterialNub=10030
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: RobG on 15 March 2012, 12:51:00
Veccy 3.2 here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-VECTRA-C-3-2-PETROL-ALTERNATOR-2003-MODEL-/250768722362?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a62fb09ba
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: kcl on 15 March 2012, 13:00:30
Just been to collect Alternator
And guess what it's got differences
Mounting points appear the same although connection positions are slightly different
Major difference is it has a sealed plastic end cap which incorporates an air/ventilation scoop
With a shape on it to accept some form of trunking roughly 2" by 1" oval
Pointing forward and slightly upward with alternator mounted
Question is can anyone help with info on this unit the No is B255
And the plastic end cap has Bosch cast on it

You've been sold a Vectra alternator. Don't know if it'll fit or not  :-\
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: Cliffo B on 15 March 2012, 13:41:00
Ok Thanks a lot Rob
The plot thickens
Just rang off from talking to my supplier
He has been in touch with Bosch
This info is what I've been given more or less word for word
The part no is 1 billion % right
The No on my unit cross references to this unit I now have
However there are 3 different series/designs within the part No
So long as the trunking connection point is not in contact with anything and is clear of obstruction it will be OK
I have temp mounted it on loose bolts and that part is fine
It seems that any alternator above 120 amps needs to be water cooled
As the firm I went to has guys who really care and been in auto electrics for  yrs
I Remember they did me a Cav starter motor   
I've decided to fit it
In case your wondering it cost me 81.60 + 20 quid taxi there and back home
Now on my agenda to have a spare off the Forum when cash flow allows :y 

Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: RobG on 15 March 2012, 13:43:50
Ok Thanks a lot Rob
The plot thickens
Just rang off from talking to my supplier
He has been in touch with Bosch
This info is what I've been given more or less word for word
The part no is 1 billion % right
The No on my unit cross references to this unit I now have
However there are 3 different series/designs within the part No
So long as the trunking connection point is not in contact with anything and is clear of obstruction it will be OK
I have temp mounted it on loose bolts and that part is fine
It seems that any alternator above 120 amps needs to be water cooledAs the firm I went to has guys who really care and been in auto electrics for  yrs
I Remember they did me a Cav starter motor   
I've decided to fit it
In case your wondering it cost me 81.60 + 20 quid taxi there and back home
So if a 3.2 Mig has a 140A fitted, how do they manage the water cooling ???
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: VXL V6 on 15 March 2012, 13:53:08
Ok Thanks a lot Rob
The plot thickens
Just rang off from talking to my supplier
He has been in touch with Bosch
This info is what I've been given more or less word for word
The part no is 1 billion % right
The No on my unit cross references to this unit I now have
However there are 3 different series/designs within the part No
So long as the trunking connection point is not in contact with anything and is clear of obstruction it will be OK
I have temp mounted it on loose bolts and that part is fine
It seems that any alternator above 120 amps needs to be water cooledAs the firm I went to has guys who really care and been in auto electrics for  yrs
I Remember they did me a Cav starter motor   
I've decided to fit it
In case your wondering it cost me 81.60 + 20 quid taxi there and back home
So if a 3.2 Mig has a 140A fitted, how do they manage the water cooling ???
Reposition the HBV above it.... :y
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: Cliffo B on 15 March 2012, 14:07:17
Yep that also crossed my mind Rob
But was not as such a statement of fact
But in the context of alternators do run very hot
And to convince my self to ensure the trunking was not blocked
I wonder if theres a piece of add on trunking as the trunking boss has a 1/4" square hole in the end
Waiting to accept a ratchet tooth
Could be all to do with one unit doing several apps
So there it is KCL you also could well be right
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: kcl on 15 March 2012, 14:41:21
Only one 140A version for Omega...  :-\ :-\ :-\
http://opeloem.com/vauxhall/omega_1994_2003/electrical/engine_and_cooling/alternator_contd__6/y26se_y32se_engines.html (http://opeloem.com/vauxhall/omega_1994_2003/electrical/engine_and_cooling/alternator_contd__6/y26se_y32se_engines.html)

And for vectra they give this
http://opeloem.com/vauxhall/vectra_c_2002_/electrical/engine_and_cooling/alternator_3/z32se_petrol_engine_for_use_with_140_amp__alternator.html (http://opeloem.com/vauxhall/vectra_c_2002_/electrical/engine_and_cooling/alternator_3/z32se_petrol_engine_for_use_with_140_amp__alternator.html)
Title: Re: Alternator duff??
Post by: Cliffo B on 15 March 2012, 23:18:55
The replacement unit I have has a 120 amp spec
As was the original
However the sealed plastic end cowl with a boss on to accept trunking
Is similar to the top unit in kcl's Vauxhall link which I believe is a 140Amp unit
So it would seem the 120 amp units are now designed with ventilation same as 140 amp units
Thanks Kcl for the link possibly confirms what my supplier explained to me :y :y