cm12385
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Groton, CT
1994 XJ
4.0 six - AX-15 Manual - Four Door - Largely Stock
I bought this XJ from a friend and when he owned it we swapped the alternator with a Autozone Duralast unit around 2006 - 2007 timeframe.
Within the past we months, when I run the XJ through a car wash or wash the motor directly, almost immediately after the alternator shuts off.
I suspect this because the voltage on the gage will drop significantly, the accessories/lights will dim as you would expect. The belt does not squeal when this happens so I am confident that it is not due to belt slippage. However, as soon as the alternator comes back online, the belt chirps. I also assume it is chirping because of the sudden application of load on it when the power returns. It will do this a couple of times after washing then does away.
I removed the connections as the rear of the alternator and cleaned and reinstalled yesterday, washed the motor today, same problem.
So the fix may be as simple as swapping the alternator but I wanted too see if anyone has had a similar problem and if I should look elsewhere before replacing the alternator - hate to spend the time/money and have the problem reoccur.
On a side note, Autozone alternators are now made in China - so I plan to avoid that. What do you all recommend for a reasonably priced replacement? I do not plan to spend $400 plus for a Powermaster or Mean Green.
Also, can I use a 120amp alternator from a similar year 4.0L ZJ?
Thanks,
cm
4.0 six - AX-15 Manual - Four Door - Largely Stock
I bought this XJ from a friend and when he owned it we swapped the alternator with a Autozone Duralast unit around 2006 - 2007 timeframe.
Within the past we months, when I run the XJ through a car wash or wash the motor directly, almost immediately after the alternator shuts off.
I suspect this because the voltage on the gage will drop significantly, the accessories/lights will dim as you would expect. The belt does not squeal when this happens so I am confident that it is not due to belt slippage. However, as soon as the alternator comes back online, the belt chirps. I also assume it is chirping because of the sudden application of load on it when the power returns. It will do this a couple of times after washing then does away.
I removed the connections as the rear of the alternator and cleaned and reinstalled yesterday, washed the motor today, same problem.
So the fix may be as simple as swapping the alternator but I wanted too see if anyone has had a similar problem and if I should look elsewhere before replacing the alternator - hate to spend the time/money and have the problem reoccur.
On a side note, Autozone alternators are now made in China - so I plan to avoid that. What do you all recommend for a reasonably priced replacement? I do not plan to spend $400 plus for a Powermaster or Mean Green.
Also, can I use a 120amp alternator from a similar year 4.0L ZJ?
Thanks,
cm