NEW......T36 Alternator Recall

[bjm]

Trouble is these alternators are failing with out any load on them in both diesel and petrol models.Remember this recall was a worldwide recall issue.

[johnnywal]

I wonder if fitting a battery isolator switch would be a handy option so that in the case of an alternator failure you could quickly throw it to stop the battery being cooked or a fire starting. It could be mounted inside or under the bonnet where the earth connector is, ie if the negative cable runs up to it. It would sure beat trying to disconnect the battery under the seat.

[SouthernComfort]

Originally Posted by bjm

Trouble is these alternators are failing with out any load on them in both diesel and petrol models.Remember this recall was a worldwide recall issue.

Indeed, they should have been built with a unit robust enough to cope with 'normal' use (whatever that is) of the GC's standard equipment. I'm sure Denso had the capability of building one.

At present I think minimising the risk of failure can only come from releasing unnecessary pressure on the alt. If you used most of the standard equipment most of the time the thing would feel the strain, but add a light bar, winch, fridge etc. and you could almost smell the smoke before it rises.

[bjm]

Strange ,on my WH 2010 running Engle fridge,van fridge when moving no probs etc these are basically the same alt except 180 amp . understand on my 2012 Overland ,it needs a power station on board. Think alt failure in WKs related to component probs ie below spec etc

[johnnywal]

I totally agree, the standard alternator is not really fit for service on the GC when you consider the current draw with all equipment operating. You should have equipment that can cope with the maximum current draw being put through it continuously in all conditions.This to me is the bottom line in a vehicle being engineered for purpose!

[johnnywal]

The alternator problem is it age specific, mileage specific, number of maximum load specific or hit and miss? Does replacing the rectifier guarantee all is good or does it just push the failure down the road hopefully for a bit longer. Surely there must been a solution as I have never had alternator problems at all in 55 years of motoring, except except where it has been a mechanical problem like worn bearing or brushes through huge kilometres.

[Grippy]

Sounds like a pain in the ass.
In the WJ in the bush with the radio blasting, climate running, spotties and light bar if at night and it never gave a problem, simple dumb solenoid connecting second battery with fridge running and other stuff charging.
Might as well grab a spare alt for this beastie just in case shit hits the fan. I carried all sorts of sensors form the WJ just incase.
Surely theres some fusible links in there somewhere to protect stuff when the alt shits itself?