Alternator moisture deterrent

XJsavage

XJsavage

CounterCulture
Joined
Aug 15, 2009
Location
Lyle's Ford SC
GM alternator, open fender Jeep. I'm on my second alternator that has developed a squeal to it. Hasn't affected functionality on either, they just make a noise. I keep the radio turned up as loud as I can but it's still there and I know it.
Both are used. Is there a spray lubricant that is safe for the internals of an alternator? Or would it simply attract more dust and cause worse problems?
 
water is getting in the bearing most likely thats embedded in the back half of the case and thats where your squeal is likely coming from.
 
Anything you spray will likely attract dirt and grime causing worse wear.

You can buy bearings for most gm and ford alternators and change it yourself to save buying a whole alternator. The front bearing is sealed. You may be able to drill a small grease hole in the rear bearing cap with it disassembled and pump a shot of grease in with a grease needle occasionally.
 
Are inner fenders an option?
 
Read an article Years ago, about using a marine alternator. Talked to a electrical repair shop, & they told me it's nothing more than a screened shield & different fan style pully. They added that to mine for about $20. I've stayed with that set up over the years, & generally get 10+ years out of my bottom mounted CJ alternator.
 
rodney eppes said:
Read an article Years ago, about using a marine alternator. Talked to a electrical repair shop, & they told me it's nothing more than a screened shield & different fan style pully. They added that to mine for about $20. I've stayed with that set up over the years, & generally get 10+ years out of my bottom mounted CJ alternator.
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Yea marine alternators, starters, and distributors aren't really waterproof, the screens are more for spark arresting, to prevent bilge explosions. I'm sure it does help keep some splashed water out too though.

Another option is to shield the alternator from splash with a piece of plastic or some ducting. Some gm alternators had a plastic duct clamped around the back and a plastic duct feeding it fresh air, usually used in cramped engine bays from the 90s but you could rig up something similar.

Just remember the alternator pulls in air through the rear vents and the fan on front is a puller, so hot air exits at the front.
 
Croatan_Kid said:
Are inner fenders an option?
Click to expand...
As good as the cooling system works, I'm hesitant to change anything on it. Inner fenders would likely create a heat pocket.
Basically right now, my engine is half air cooled and half radiator. It'll ride at 187 degrees like a boss.
 
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Tim C said:
Yea marine alternators, starters, and distributors aren't really waterproof, the screens are more for spark arresting, to prevent bilge explosions. I'm sure it does help keep some splashed water out too though.

Another option is to shield the alternator from splash with a piece of plastic or some ducting. Some gm alternators had a plastic duct clamped around the back and a plastic duct feeding it fresh air, usually used in cramped engine bays from the 90s but you could rig up something similar.

Just remember the alternator pulls in air through the rear vents and the fan on front is a puller, so hot air exits at the front.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm... Yeah I could totally fabricate a splash guard.
 
I would fabricate a splash guard or housing specifically around the alternator
 
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