G20 having repeat alternator failure???
 

Hi all,
My 1991 G20 has only 157,000km, and is suffering its 4th alternator failure in 6 years...last one only 15,000km ago. Any ideas? Similar experiences?

If I cannot solve, then I have an 'otherwise' strong and excellent auto for sale immediately. Automatic (sorry ;)), all options, good tires, all stock, daily driver, regular maintenance all its life, I am 2nd owner since 2000 at 46,000km.

I would rather solve and keep than sell, but I need reliable auto for work.

Thanks for any help or interest.
O.

could just be a bad alternator, the aftermarket ones will never be as good as one from the dealer

i'd check the rad hose that runs over the alternator, replace it.

Thanks ncrx,

The hose looks fine, but in the morning I'll check more closely. Have you had a problem similar? It seems to me if the hose is wetting the alt, then there would be immediate and constant alternator failure. I'm seeing it intermittent, between 6,000 and 14,000km (4,000 to 9,000 miles).
I appreciate your input, here. It will lead to other ideas and could be related. If we find a solution I'll be sure to post.

O.

it wouldnt' be immediate, but you are having constant failure at 6000-14000km's. that is consistent enough.
i had an alternator go on me, but its kuz i have a giant hood scoop on my gti-r.

i would also change your battery while you're at it.

Where did you get your replacement alternators? I've had problems with remanufactured ones from Lordco and ended up getting a rebuilt one from Edmond Starters, which has been fine. You should have your alternator bench tested but it sounds like you have the same problem I did, the voltage regulator inside is taking a dump.

I hear you can use the higher amperage B15 Sentra alternator in the G20.

Have you tried g20.net?
guys have replaced 3 alternators in 6 months buy not using OEM...
i have a p11, but the motor should be the same with the exception of a RR in my motor... it has similar mileage as yours and i am fighting with suspension problems.

http://www.g20.net/forum/showthread.php?t=98210

have you had your current draw checked? are you constantly draining your battery and jump starting? do you have a large stereo or auxillary lighting? have you checked your engine and charging system grounds?
Even aftermarket reman alternators last longer then that so you must have another problem then just your alternator.

Check your voltage regulator, and fuses.


not true, being usually the 'aftermarket' alternators are made in the same factory as the dealership ones.

It may be possible their made in the same "factory" but the quality of the parts replaced are not on par with OEM. From someone who has replaced several starters/altenators/distributors with non OEM parts i can only offer you my advice. Consider your expenses and ask yourself if you possibly want to be replacing this part in a year again. I have seen so many situations where jobber parts have failed within a year. Some have good luck some dont.

I think starters are the worst, I see so many of those come back. Yes they come with warrenty, but unless your doing it yourself, the warrenty doesnt cover labour.

For the OP, I would have your entire charging system checked out. Perhaps go to an autowreckors and get a used OEM altenator and see if it lasts any longer. You may have an issue somewhere else which is why your altenators arent lasting. What is failing on the altenator? Is it the diode? If its bearing related, perhaps the installer is installing the belt to tight causing premature wear on the bearing.

^Starters are the worst because people abuse them. ignitions more-so because people have large heavy keychains that destroy them. No fault from the factory. OEM vs Aftermarket discussion is based on the car. Same with Batteries. On my 65 I had a battery last over 10 years. I also had one last 2 months. Or use the KA24E engine on the SOHC 240's. Of the two I owned, both developed valve tick. Thousands of other people have had the same issue. It can be fixed, but it seems like in this case, the Factory had a bad product.

Best investment for any car is a Factory Service manual, and to have a few thousand bucks in the bank to cover 'the worst' repairs you can ever think of, just in the event it does happen.

For my 240sx, I have 3 spair KA24DE engines, two transmissions. and 3 sets of suspension parts. Granted I have my own house and garage to do this, and all my tools. If my performance Turbo KA engine blows up or I bend valves, I can always swap in the original stuff in the matter of a day or two, and get back driving.

But yeah, if this G20 is taking you to a job that pays minimum wage, maybe you should be taking your bike, because you are not getting anywhere if all you are doing is working to pay bills.