Thread: Why is my car killing alternators?

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2015-09-17 13:18:06

#21

metro_se-r Online/offline status of metro_se-r is unknown

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Originally Posted by FanOfNissan

Re-energizing this thread...

Why hasn't anyone considered HEAT as being the culprit? Look where the alt sits, next to a header pipe.
There are threads on the topic of cooking alternators.
I have a heat shield built w/ $30 in materials from H.D. Works wonders on reliability. (I race with SCCA and NASA.)

Relocating the alt in place of the PS pump is an option to low-port engines, but I can't see many folks traveling this path.

Actually I'm glad you brought this up. I spoke about this issue to one of my buddies and he told me he had the same problem with his old Mirage VR-4. Like you said, problem turned out to be heat. Got any pics of your heat shield? Just curious what you did.

PS. I do appreciate everyone's responses btw. I'm taking all into consideration.

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2015-09-17 13:22:52

#22

Chris101

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Interesting because in about 30k track miles since 2008 (Time Trials, w2w races and HPDE days) we've simply never had an alternator crap out on us on our G20 but it is also 100% stock NA (even the cams are just stock as required per class rules)... this means stock pullies too folks!

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2015-09-17 13:34:51

#23

metro_se-r Online/offline status of metro_se-r is unknown

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As far as motor goes it's all stock too, but obviously the alternator is garbage reman, and aftermarket header without a heat shield. And I still have to review the kill switch setup as some suggested.

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2015-09-17 20:19:31

#24

Vector

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Heat is absolutely a killer for the FWD SR20 alternators. Cheap remans can fail in just a few hours in a stock street car too.

You can pull a 100A alternator out of a B15 SE 2.0 or a similarly aged Altima (with the 2.4). It's drop in compatible. Adding to or beefing up the output wiring is advisable, but I've seen it done with the stock harness. (I have a 150A alternator and a 2ga wire to a distribution block and then to the battery myself).

Having the alternator rebuilt by a local shop will last much longer than a parts store reman. Often you can have the output increased as well.

Shield the alternator from heat and water. I wrapped the header in my race car and added thermal sheeting to the side of the alternator towards the header.

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Mark Holden - G2 Nissan Sentra SE-R
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2015-09-17 23:47:29

#25

Chris101

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yeah, we do have the OEM Nissan alternator so that might be helping us in our case...

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2015-10-28 18:25:06

#26

metro_se-r Online/offline status of metro_se-r is unknown

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Funny, we took the busted remanufactured alternator back to AZ. They tested it, and even pushing 8.5 volts it passed in their machine. We still ended up with a replacement, to use as a backup. Looking for an OEM in decent condition now.

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2015-10-29 14:23:07

#27

canx2k

I have an inventory!