Alternators? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

95se · 10-19-2016, 06:39 PM

I think I might be needing an alternator soon. Stock KA with no accessories besides factory fog lamps. The voltage on the battery when the car is running is between 13.5 and 14.05V. I assume it is supposed to be over 14V continually? Oem's arent available anymore and all seem to be remanned. I was thinking of the Denso. Any suggestions??

thanks

1988montecarloss · 10-19-2016, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95se

I think I might be needing an alternator soon. Stock KA with no accessories besides factory fog lamps. The voltage on the battery when the car is running is between 13.5 and 14.05V. I assume it is supposed to be over 14V continually? Oem's arent available anymore and all seem to be remanned. I was thinking of the Denso. Any suggestions??

thanks

got a denso from carquest a few years ago for my S14, never had any issues with it

ixfxi · 10-19-2016, 07:27 PM

Over 14 would be nice, but it all depends on the accuracy of what you're using to measure. A multimeter is the most accurate, hook it up to the alt output and check.

No need to spend money at NISSAN, a Denso is more than adequate. You can always send yours to a local shop that rebuilds them, if you desire to keep it original.

jscherf92 · 10-19-2016, 08:57 PM

Are there any other symptoms or are you just worried about half a volt? I wouldn't really consider that urgent unless you have other concerns. That being said, rebuilt/reman is perfectly fine for alternators IMO.

rawgarage · 10-19-2016, 11:17 PM

Have it rebuilt locally

jedi03 · 10-20-2016, 07:28 AM

autozone quality has been goin up...

tuzzio · 10-20-2016, 08:10 AM

i got my autozone quest alternator for my KA a year ago from autozone. no issues.

*dbeiler* · 10-20-2016, 07:07 PM

Alternators do not slowly drop in voltage output as they wear. They are either producing voltage or they aren't. 13.5 - 14 volts at the battery is perfectly within spec. There will be a voltage drop between the alternator terminal and the battery. 1/2 a volt drop is possible. Voltage output should be measured right at the alternator output terminal to eliminate the voltage drop from the true output. Anything over 13.2 volts is sufficient, really.

Alternators use brushes as part of the field coil. The brushes are subjected to constant friction because they are contacting the spinning slip ring. Eventually the brushes wear out, the field coil goes open circuit, and the alternator can no longer function.

To determine the remaining life of an alternator, it must be disassembled. Measure the brush length and compare them to the minimum length specified in the factory service manual. (6mm on an S14)

Few things can go wrong with alternators. Worn brushes is the most common issue. Bearings can fail and become noisy. Oil or coolant being sprayed into the alternator can interrupt the field coil circuit. Cars left sitting for extended periods of time can accumulate corrosion in the field coil circuit.

10-19-2016, 06:39 PM	#1
95se Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 383 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Alternators? I think I might be needing an alternator soon. Stock KA with no accessories besides factory fog lamps. The voltage on the battery when the car is running is between 13.5 and 14.05V. I assume it is supposed to be over 14V continually? Oem's arent available anymore and all seem to be remanned. I was thinking of the Denso. Any suggestions?? thanks __________________ z32 front brakes, spl tc rods

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10-19-2016, 07:27 PM	#3
ixfxi Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: bangin on my chest Account: BANNED #fucksupreme Age: 79 Posts: 5,923 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	Over 14 would be nice, but it all depends on the accuracy of what you're using to measure. A multimeter is the most accurate, hook it up to the alt output and check. No need to spend money at NISSAN, a Denso is more than adequate. You can always send yours to a local shop that rebuilds them, if you desire to keep it original.

10-19-2016, 08:57 PM	#4
jscherf92 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: May 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Age: 29 Posts: 432 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	Are there any other symptoms or are you just worried about half a volt? I wouldn't really consider that urgent unless you have other concerns. That being said, rebuilt/reman is perfectly fine for alternators IMO.

10-19-2016, 11:17 PM	#5
rawgarage Banned from the Marketplace Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: h o u s t o n Age: 32 Posts: 5,990 Trader Rating: (75) Feedback Score: 75 reviews	Have it rebuilt locally

10-20-2016, 07:28 AM	#6
jedi03 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: albuquerque Posts: 1,786 Trader Rating: (8) Feedback Score: 8 reviews	autozone quality has been goin up...

10-20-2016, 08:10 AM	#7
tuzzio Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Western Mass. Posts: 2,254 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	i got my autozone quest alternator for my KA a year ago from autozone. no issues.

10-20-2016, 07:07 PM	#8
dbeiler Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Lancaster county, PA Age: 30 Posts: 465 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	Alternators do not slowly drop in voltage output as they wear. They are either producing voltage or they aren't. 13.5 - 14 volts at the battery is perfectly within spec. There will be a voltage drop between the alternator terminal and the battery. 1/2 a volt drop is possible. Voltage output should be measured right at the alternator output terminal to eliminate the voltage drop from the true output. Anything over 13.2 volts is sufficient, really. Alternators use brushes as part of the field coil. The brushes are subjected to constant friction because they are contacting the spinning slip ring. Eventually the brushes wear out, the field coil goes open circuit, and the alternator can no longer function. To determine the remaining life of an alternator, it must be disassembled. Measure the brush length and compare them to the minimum length specified in the factory service manual. (6mm on an S14) Few things can go wrong with alternators. Worn brushes is the most common issue. Bearings can fail and become noisy. Oil or coolant being sprayed into the alternator can interrupt the field coil circuit. Cars left sitting for extended periods of time can accumulate corrosion in the field coil circuit.