Hi all ive had a few problems with my 96 EL falcon lpg/petrol... anyway ive come here to get your opinions on the brushes on my alternator. It stopped working a few weeks ago and my batt has been running flat. Im getting 0v from the output terminal of the alternator so iv pulled it out today, it was caked full of grease and black dirt so i degreased all that off. Its a mitsubishi brand alternator btw.

Upon opening it i tested the coils with an insulation resistance tester and they are fine and unbroken.

Ive tested the diodes...all passing current one way only and all have the same resistance.

Slip ring are immac condition, just covered in sludge and grease.

voltage regulator., dont know how to test that

The brushes im unsure about, i havnt opened one before so i dont know how long they are suppose to be... i have a pic in attachments if someone who knows can tell me if they are worn down or thats fine.

If it is fine then i havnt a clue why the alternator doesnt work exept the grease and build up has been stopping the brushes or commutator from working... since there was alot of buildup there.

Thanks in advanced

 

 

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File comment: brushes taken out and cleaned brushes.jpg [ 157.42 KiB | Viewed 305 times ]

Hi,

The brush's should be cheap, so put some in. ( I couldnt see a wear limit in my manual ) The power steering pump can leak oil in which will kill it though. A new alt. wont cost a lot and a 2nd hand should be quite cheap. If it was my car I would replace it then fix the old one and test it as a spare. I havnt had to take mine apart, but normally when they go together you put a wire in a hole at the back to hold back the brush's out of the way for reassembly. Good luck with it.

Brushes are worn out - replace them or the complete alternator preferably - check oil leaks from power steering fittings

Have a read of auto-electrical-forum-f89/how-to-pull-down-an-alternator-for-an-el-au-and-swap-bits-t111664.html . The brushes are still available from that ebay seller in this thread - brushes might be a bit long at 23.5mm.
You can get OEX ones at 15mm long, part no BRX60311.
The only quick way to test the reg is to put everything together and run on the car.

+1 regards the spare - always a good idea.

Will replace brushes asap. Forgot to mention my power steering fluid is leaking from the reservoir ... what kind of damage can that cause?

power steering fluid on brushes will make them disintegrate