Ford Galaxy Mk1 Alternator Removal

[yereverluvinunclebert]

Been having some problems with my Ford Galaxy MkI 2.3 petrol that has been sitting for a while.

The alternator warning light comes on and stays on with no charging voltage at the battery, just 12v or so.

 

I have replaced the voltage regulator/brushpack and properly re-soldered the crimped wires to the battery fusebox, cleaned the alternator slip rings, checked continuity and condition of all connections.

 

There still appears to be no current flowing from the alternator to the charging system

 

I imagine this means a dead alternator. I have checked with an ohmmeter and one of the slip rings seems to have a short circuit to the case of the alternator. A good sign of a dead alternator? I assume so.

 

OK, so I have to remove the old alternator, sharpish and replace.

 

How much of a pig of a job is this? It does not look easy. Do I have to remove the whole front lights/cluster and plastic surround to gain access to the bolts? Seems to be difficult to get sufficient access without doing so. Removal of the air filter seems to be suggested but on the 2.3 this does not seem to help much.

 

Any advice gratefully received.

 

 

[yereverluvinunclebert]

anyone?

[sparky Paul]

Well, I haven't actually had the alternator off in the 12 years I've had the old Galaxy, so I had a quick look under the bonnet.

 

Access is tight, and I agree that removing the air filter won't help that much. It looks like a combination of socket set, extensions, spanners and skinned knuckles. You will need to drop the undertray to remove the alternator belt and probably to access the lower mounting bolt of the alternator. Use a spanner on the tensioner pulley, just visible through the wheelarch, to relieve the spring tension whilst you slip the belt off.

[yereverluvinunclebert]

Thanks for that! Good advice appreciated.

[viperclive]

Jackup drivers front wheel, remove wheel, remove tray, remove air filter, take photos or drawing of how auxiliary belt fits around pullies, n that's very important! Ease off tension on belt on belt tensioner, belt off, now remember disconnect battery, now discon wiring on alternator. Now its time to attack nuts n bolts holding it in place, refitting is reversal, job done hit fridge with cold lager! Put plasters on cuts lol.