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Alternator
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:01 pm
by silva
Hi all you happy FTO'ers;
Any advice out there re where I can get a new or re-built alternator from (from Aus, don't really want to ship one in)?
I ordered one from Nationwide Auto Parts but it has a lug and protruding sleeve on the rear lower bolt hole.
When I told them it wouldn't fit, their answer was the Mits part numbers matched so I should tap the sleeve in and hacksaw (their word) the lug off.
Then I remembered somewhere in the long conversation I had when I ordered it the sales guy mentioned "Galant" which I jumped on! The GS has a four cylinder motor supposedly the same as a Galant. Told him no way, we're talking 2 litre V6 Mivec!
So I sent it back for a refund but I still need a new or re-conditioned alternator.
Can anyone help please?
Silva
PS;
Re alternator removal; certainly wheel off, from underneath, remove top engine mount bolt & jack it up BUT it's a lot easier if you go to the trouble of taking the idler/tensioner pulley bracket off (not the pulley, it comes captive with the bracket). Less jacking up & easier to wiggle out.
Re: Alternator
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 4:44 pm
by crosso
Firstly welcome to the club
I could be wrong but I'm also buying an alternator, and I'm pretty sure the 6A13 (galant) alternator is the same as the 6A12 (FTO) alternator.
Is the lug ADDITIONAL to the other normal mounting holes? or is it replacing one? if not the later, and it's just in the way/serves no purpose for the fto, I don't see the harm in hacksawing it off.
I could be wrong though so wait for one of the much more experienced guys to post.
EDIT: How much are you paying to buy it by the way?
Re: Alternator
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 4:47 pm
by silverGPX
You have to make sure that it has the voltage regulator inside that will supply the engine with the power for it to engage Mivec.
Re: Alternator
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:25 pm
by silva
Hi Crosso;
Yeah thanks for the welcome.
First, Nationwide show on their web site that the alternator they supply is for a 2.5L FTO. Are there any 2.5 litre FTO's?
The original, apart from the factory numbers MD317515 & A3TA1491, is marked 80 amp.
Nationwide's alternator is 120 amp, they say not to worry that's what voltage regulators are for - but the regulator is built into the alternator?
The original also has a diagram (of a plug I think) with GSLF engraved on it.
Nationwide's alternator has GSLFR; what's the extra "R" for? Nationwide can't answer that.
Also, see the other posted reply, it has to be the EXACT right alternator, otherwise there's a bit of the ECU program that won't send a signal to activate the Mivec (oil pressure activated change of cam timing), the go faster system.
The thing that got me was that I asked Nationwide if ground the lug off, tapped the sleeve in and fitted it, would they accept it for a refund if it didn't work and I got a flat NO!
I'm not prepared to run the risk butchering the Nationwide alternator to get it in and find the go fast Mivec doesn't happen, I don't get a refund and still have to pay for a new alternator.
So that's where I'm at.
Thanks again for the replies;
Silva
PS;Price delivered from their QLD place to Wyong, NSW was $345.00.
Re: Alternator
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:46 pm
by Taz
There is no 2.5L fto, only the 4g93 and 6a12 - the only other engine i can think of would be the 6a13.
That sounds like one big f**k around, and WAY too many things not lining up on it i would say the best thing to do is to leave it as it probably wouldnt work anyway, mivec is a very funny thing - as in if everything is not PERFECT it wont engage at all, a lot of people can attest to this as well.
The correct part number for the alternator is MD305461 which is the later 85amp alternator compared to the earlier 75 off the jan94-march95 GPX. Make sure its a 4 pin to activate the mivec.
Im sure if you give a few parts stores that number they would be able to order one for you - try Bursons, Repco etc etc
The GR alternator was MD317514 and the earlier GPX 75 amp alternator was the MD317515, but again has been superceded.
Best bet is to just give the MD305461 to a few parts stores
Best of luck with the hunt
Re: Alternator
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 6:22 pm
by crosso
Ah I see. Thats pretty dodgy of them, pretty much telling you to void their warranty/refund policy when it might not even work lol
Well there you go. Thanks Taz.
Also Taz if you don't mind me asking, as I have a 94 GPX would I need to use a GPX 75 amp and not the newer 85 amp?
Alternator
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 6:26 pm
by Sahin
crosso wrote:Ah I see. Thats pretty dodgy of them, pretty much telling you to void their warranty/refund policy when it might not even work lol
Well there you go. Thanks Taz.
Also Taz if you don't mind me asking, as I have a 94 GPX would I need to use a GPX 75 amp and not the newer 85 amp?
It wouldn't matter what one you use
Re: Alternator
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 6:32 pm
by crosso
Sahin wrote:crosso wrote:Ah I see. Thats pretty dodgy of them, pretty much telling you to void their warranty/refund policy when it might not even work lol
Well there you go. Thanks Taz.
Also Taz if you don't mind me asking, as I have a 94 GPX would I need to use a GPX 75 amp and not the newer 85 amp?
It wouldn't matter what one you use
The ECU/Mivec won't care?
Re: Alternator
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:09 pm
by Taz
The newer 85 amp is just an upgrade if you will on the latter engines and us actually better a.d easier to source. You should be right mate.