Alternator

[riffy]

Hi, My alternator has given up the ghost....great timing as I now need that on top of 2 new tyres and a cambelt!

My question is: I have the 120A output unit, could I fit the 90A version? I've spoken to parts and they think any one of the 70/90/120A versions could have been fitted to my car.

GSF list the 90A at £115+vat which is much cheaper than Seat. I'm not running any massive ICE or power hungry items

 

[muddyboots]

120A does sound like overkill for your Leon, my Passat has a 120A jobbie, but has to power heated seats and the coolant heater on top of all the other gubbins...as you won't have those I should think you'd be fine with a 90A.

IIRC my Ibiza was 90A.

 

[riffy]

Thanks, thats what I was hoping...Seems to have fixed itself at the moment but I'm sure it will return!

 

[muddyboots]

What were the symptoms that suggested impending doom ?

 

[riffy]

Started car and the battery light stayed on. I popped the bonnet and it was making a nasty grinding noise. Could describe it as a worn bearing noise or similar.
Got home, left it a while, started again and it was fine

I'm sure it can't just fix itself...or can it

 

[muddyboots]

A lot of the alternators fitted to TDIs have one-way clutches in the drive pulley.

Perhaps it didn't engage properly and once stopped/started again it was OK (bit like a cheap ratchet drive )

 

[riffy]

Hey that sounds just like it....thanks for the info. It hasn't done it since