A few weeks ago, I started noticing the "charging" and warning lights on the gauge cluster started to appear. I figure that's probably my alternator slowly dying...fast forward to yesterday - car just went completely dead at a stop light.

I bought a new battery and figure the car should start up after I put it in. Is it a good idea to drive the car this way? I'll be driving about 30 miles to my mechanic to rebuilt the alternator.

Thanks.

 

bad idea...don't throw good money on bad. You'll come out spending more in the end.

I would just remove the alternator. Its pretty simple to do.

 

The FD's fuel injection system and other peripheral components put a pretty strong drain on the battery, and without any charging to make up for that, it's doubtful it would last the 30-mile drive without low voltage causing problems and leaving you stranded on the side of the road. You'll be a lot better off just pulling and replacing the alternator yourself (as long as you have decent mechanical skills and the right tools).

 

I agree with Kento......as an aside, I have a polished and freshly rebuilt alternator I was planning on installing on my FD, I'd consider shipping it out to you if you're interested.

 

not very long?.......

 

i did it for 3 days dd.... before i had time to replace the alternator.

 

i wouldn't...it drains your battery...

 

WTF? I can’t believe you people own an FD, or a car at all for that matter! I’d be willing to bet if it were your $150 cell that broke you’d of “found the time”!? This is so **** ignorant!
-J

 

Being that it is very easy to replace the alternator why play around? Just replace it.Laziness always comes back to bite you.

 

The FD has got to be one of the most stress free cars to change an altenator on.

 

i apologize if i accidently lifted your pannies a little to high.. i dont understand how you could say something like that when you dont even know the circumstances. please restrain yourself.

randy

 

It's for just that reason that he shouldn't take the chance. Your alternator may have still had some life left for one reason or another, allowing you to drive around for a few days; his may be completely dead. As others have stated, it's fairly easy to replace the alternator, so there's no reason why he should take that chance of ending up stranded on the side of the road and having to call a tow truck (and ending up possibly spending even more money).

 

I've driven just a bit farther on a family vacation when a belt let go with two small kids and a wife in the car. But that was on a rural Interstate.
If you absolutely can't do the work yourself and MUST drive the car to your mechanic......assuming no other drain on a strong battery with a full charge and mostly highway miles you should make it alright.

 

Wow, some people need to take a chill pill. Anyway, I am just asking so I know more about these things. Thanks for the advice.

 

haha, you are just like me. Half the time I sell the stuff that is intended to go on my personal car. Thats probably the reason it has taken me so long to even think about putting my car back together.

 

You could risk it and you'll make it (depending on how bad the alt is) but i would just call AAA and tow the car to the mechanic. Why drain out a brand new battery?

 

I am gonna remove the alternator myself. I've never done so before but have worked on most of the things myself...any tips on a quick/easy alternator job?

 

It's not a bad job. You'll need a 12mm and 10mm wrench, 12mm socket w/ratchet and short extension and IIRC, the large bolt holding the pivot is a 17mm. BE SURE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FIRST. Loosen and remove the alternator tension bolt assembly, and loosen the tension adjustment below the airpump (12mm IIRC. If you have the stock airbox, you'll have to remove it to reach that bolt. The belt should then slip off.
If it's never been off, the "ears" on the alternator at the pivot point will likely be tight and you'll need to (carefully) pry up a little on it with a large flat-head screw driver. Then, as they say, re-assemble in reverse order with the new alternator. Again, the new alternator may fit tight at those pivot ears, but a little trim with a hand file will help. So will 'nudging' it a little with a dead-blow hammer if you have one.