Alternator Problems

Joined: 24 Sep 2004 Location: Werribee

G'Day Guys, I'm new to this site and i found it out of desperation to find a cure for jackeroo/troopie. I got a 93 3.2 litre petrol long wheel base jackeroo and it is constantly in the auto elec having the alternator rebuilt, 7 times in the last 18mths (at $250a pop). Either the sparky or the alternator is a lemon. This usallay happens in the wet, mud holes driven through slowly, clean river crossings dont seen to be problem. Is there anyone out there got any suggestions to help, and has anyone had similar problems. I think it has something to do with the internal fan. If so any help greatly accepted. armsup

Shakel

Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Location: Nannup, Western Australia

Hi Shakel, welcome! Smile

Unfortunately this is a common thing with the Isuzu vehicles due to the low slung alternator. Absolutely stupid design for a 4x4. cussing

This has happened to me a few times also over the years but most of the time it is just some grit causing the spring loaded brushes to lose contact. Easily fixed yourself if you want to save some $.

As for preventing the problem, I have heard of people relocating the alternator to the top of the engine bay but havent seen any pics yet. Other suggestions I have heard are manufacturing some sort of shrowd to try to deflect the mud and water and another is replacing with an aftermarket unit that is semi-sealed and/or suited to marine application. I dont have details of these things but it may give you somewhere to start.
Ofcourse there is one other suggestion and one which I tend to practice more these days and that is avoid the deeper puddles altogether where possible.

Cheers,

Noel

Joined: 24 Sep 2004 Location: Werribee

Thanks Noel Laughing

,
I'll try relocating, or try and find a marine version to suit. If i work out which one works best I will post it here, otherwise the truck is perfect for my needs, and its never let me down(other than the alternator) Holden tell me they no longer sell the alternator new, 93-97 and the 97-2003 is not inter-changable.

Shakel.... Smile

Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Location: Brisbane

I have had this problem also on my Rodeo. I have always managed to clean it myself with no problems.

I have been meaning to make the deflector for a while now. However it will do you no good if you get stuck and the crap flows over/behind the deflector.

Joined: 14 Oct 2007 Location: Newcastle

ive had the same problem. ive had the my alternator replaced twice and 4 warning lights would be light up on the dash.
Had a friend of mine who was an auto elec who found the problem to be a plug coming out of the alternator.
have had the plug replaced and so far i havent had any troubles.