Hi all, is there a common fault with the alternator fitted on the 300TDi?

I started the car this morning and the battery light was on, alternator belt was squealing like mad for about 20 seconds, no rev counter, etc. Sounded as if the alternator was seizing up.. then all of a sudden the squeal stopped, rev counter came to life and battery light went out.

I don't think they have a free wheeling alternator pulley or anything... but any help appreciated.

cheers

Kev

Is there such a thing as a free wheeling alternator pulley ?

Anyway usual suspect belt slipping, worn, contaminated or badly adjusted mabe.

20 seconds .. why didn't you stop quickly and see what's wrong?

I'd check that the belts tight, but I'd first remove it and check the waterpump, tensioner and whatever else is fitted for a bust bearing. It may even be the alternator bearings ... You can't check them properly without taking the belt off, they should all turn reasonably easily with no rumbling or cracking noises.

discool said:

Is there such a thing as a free wheeling alternator pulley ?

Anyway usual suspect belt slipping, worn, contaminated or badly adjusted mabe.

Click to expand...

I believe so yeah.

Ill whip the belt off later and take a look, make sure all is free.

That coupled with the fact that after its been standing for a while it wont start... lol

Im thinking there's some sort of problem also with the diesel line. Its as if, after a while the diesel is dropping back somewhere and the engine wont run until you crank it over for about 15 seconds, its firing, but wont run. Makes me think the glow plugs are working, but im going to service it all this weekend and see if that makes a difference.

Should have stopped yeah, dunno why i didn't :doh:

Was more like 10 seconds i guess, still no excuse.

Guess there's more work needing doing to this than i thought

Weekend jobs are :

Service
Free off the Diff Lock lever
Make the rear door shut properly
Fix countless parts of the interior and exterior that are loose
Install my CB radio

Cheers

Kev.

Wait till following day then before starting check for antifreeze leakage from the pulley area of the water pump, if it's leaking it will drip into the belt and cause the slipping you describe until worn off.

Max load demanded from the alternator immediately after start up causes the belt to slip if it's not well adjusted. Not uncommon, not damaging except to the belt.

Its only ever done it once, I'll check belt tension today and check the antifreeze for leaks, cheers