Post by anon on Feb 1, 2007 18:01:59 GMT
From: Muddy Rutter Sent: 02/05/2003
Hi All,
The carbon brushes on the alternator should be checked regularly and can cause problems if worn out of limits.
If anyone is interested, this is the story which is difficult in words, but is basically:
(1) Remove the three screws holding the alternator cover and remove cover
(2) Remove two screws (note lead on bottom one), holding brush holder. These are at 11 o'clock and 5 o'clock adjacent to a brownish/orangish plastic component (brush holder) at the end of the alternator shaft.
(3) Remove the cover from the holder and measure the length of the carbon brushes which should be 13.7 mm or 4.7mm bare minimum. Anything less than 8mm would be worth changing out. Under 5mm would probably cause alternator failure.
(4) There are other active components on the alternator but the brushes are simple to diagnose and are often overlooked on servicing (I check them annually).
The above might not be 100% accurate but you will have got the general idea.
Regards,
Nick
PS: The above applies to the 900 only as the 600 (Seca in the USA) does not have brushes in its alternator.