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Help! Alternator question
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Roxy Rollah
New User
Dec 4, 2010, 2:31 AM
Post #1 of 7
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Help! Alternator question
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Good Morning (yeah it is like 4:20)
Okay I have a 1997 Nissian Altima GXE with 138k on her. I am driving from Maine to Fla next week, and I just replaced, both front cv shafts, flushed the lines, replaced brakes, (front and back) oil change, spark plugs, fuel filter... And I have had her to the machanic's twice you know because I want her in tip top shape, to get me there and back and forth to work once I get there, and I have been doing some reading and most people with this model of my car have no complaints other then yeah they had to fix the cv shaft, and 120k and alternators, at 140K I am wondering should I replace it, I mean I don't have trouble holding a charge, she starts just fine, every time, other then the slight bump she makes because the previous owner backed into a snow bank last year, every once and a while my lights inside go haywire but that is once and a while and i think it is a fuse or something I dunno.... but what do yall think should I change the alternator, because I was looking and it can be done in about an hour with the help of you tube, and a friend, or do you think I am just paranoid...( I haven't owned a car, in 4 years due to liscense problems,) or do you think I'll make it
(This post was edited by Roxy Rollah on Dec 4, 2010, 2:38 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 4, 2010, 3:42 AM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Help! Alternator question
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There's no way to know for sure any car will make it out of a parking space but you can improve the odds of a trouble free trip.
Suggestions and maybe for the erratic dash lights:
All battery cable connection must be clean with good connection - four in all. Assorted ground straps must all be good too.
If this engine uses a timing belt and not done on time do it now.
If battery is over 4 years old consider replacing it. They can work fine but it's getting into risky age for surprise failure.
Any checks of belts and hoses, tires all help too.
Noise and symptoms from the backing into snow bank. Check that out by eye and see if exhaust was bent touching wiring it shouldn't.
Have a safe, uneventful trip,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 4, 2010, 6:28 AM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Help! Alternator question
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Tom gave you some good advice... To address your specific question about the alternator, it's an electronic component. Electronic components don't really have a wear factor. The go whenever the conditions are right and that can be in one day, one year or 10 years so if your current alternator is not exhibiting any noises or other symptoms, you stand just as good a chance with that alternator as a brand new one. Either one could fail at any time but probably won't.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Roxy Rollah
New User
Dec 4, 2010, 7:13 AM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: Help! Alternator question
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Thanks Fellas,
as for the timing belt ... she don't have a timing belt she has a chain... I looked into that when I bought her and everything I have ever read says she has an upper and lower timing chain, which are good for a 150K plus yeah?
(This post was edited by Roxy Rollah on Dec 4, 2010, 7:16 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 4, 2010, 8:48 AM
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Re: Help! Alternator question
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Timing Chains: They almost always outlast timing rubber belts but there might still be a schedule. Check owner's manual but truth is I've never seen a chain listed as on a schedule in an owner's manual. However if for whatever reason you or another is right there it sure deserves close attention and a good time to do even chains.
I doubt this car but back a bit so called "American Cars" would use a nylon toothed cam gear and with all the care in the world could crack off chunks/teeth or plain slowly wear down and jump! Never saw one with nylon sold for a replacement. Short of any symptoms on this car I would bet you are correct about miles for yours.
As Hammer said and I agree, I wouldn't replace a working alternator as preventative. Seen them last an hour or the long life and very high miles on some cars?? Most seem to fail to excessive heat or load on them or just bad luck,
T
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Dec 4, 2010, 8:52 AM)
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Roxy Rollah
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Dec 4, 2010, 12:12 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: Help! Alternator question
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Hey Tom,
Thanks for the advice man, seriously, I talked to nissian, and she is indeed equipped with a timing chain, and not covered because acording to them, there is never going to be a reason to replace or fix it...What did the man tell me, that is unservicable meaning won't need fixing....Groovy I say... Wish me luck
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 4, 2010, 1:21 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Help! Alternator question
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There's your good luck charm! Right - most all metal timing chains last indefinitely. Now - if it made noise or if a tensioner if used was weak you'd know it. Keep up with oil changing and it won't sludge up which could stop flow to all sorts of important items including the chain(s) -- bring windshield wash solvent with you - you never know.
I've done the basic I-95 corridor to Fla so many times I can't count and once was out and of course right at NYC area and freaking place wanted $4 bucks in the 70s! Bet then it was only 75cents normally but it was a blizzard mid NJ on up - damn. Laugh - '66 T-Bird running fine but they only used a Whoopee cushion reservoir for wash fluid so always stopping to fill it like every 10 miles.
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Real story: Coming home to Mass from Denver half way to N. Platte, NE and about 100 miles from anywhere in a '74 Nova the fan belt broke! Had to buy the car just two weeks earlier as mine was vandalized beyond hope. Always carried tons of tools and hot damn if the second belt that ran an air pump (could do without) fit for water pump and alternator + PS which were a must. Cool - gas stations used to carry belts and hoses and got one ASAP but made it the rest of 2,000 miles without having to change it! That's luck!
Have a good trip - at least you are heading the right direction - can I go ?
Tom
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