APRIL 2023 AFTERMARKET 53 Below: Starter and alternator from WAI and engineering mindset, to ensure the company only produce the best alternators for the aftermarket. WAI customers have experienced a 60% reduction in warranty returns versus their former remanufactured product offering from competitors. With 24-month warranty on all rotating electrics, WAI products will give technicians peace of mind and total customer satisfaction.” For more information, visit: www.waiglobal.com/uk_en Likely causes Getting the right part can be tricky, as Autoelectro UK Sales Manager Nick Hood observed: “Over the last few decades, starter motors and alternators have effectively become more bespoke. Gone are the days when a handful of references fit the majority of vehicles; now there can be many that fit one manufacturer and one model.” On likely causes alternator and starter motor failure, Nick noted: “A starter motor can burn out – it’s one of the most common reasons for a technician to return a unit to their respective motor factor. Excessive cranking, ‘running on’ and fitting issues are all potential reasons for this – but how can technicians diagnose these problems accurately? Excessive cranking will run down the battery, and the technician is likely to hear the engine turn over slower than normal. The effect of prolonged cranking causes the starter motor to burn out due to low speed/high current. “Autoelectro advises technicians to check for a loose or corroded connection, and that there is no resistance in the main feed lead from the battery. They should also check the earth points for signs of corrosion and ensure good contact from battery to chassis and chassis to engine block. What’s more, they should also check the battery condition by fully charging the battery, which should show 12.6V or above, before performing a ‘load test’ with the correct equipment. The battery should maintain 9.6V for at least 15 seconds. “Ongoing engine starting issues, such as leaking fuel injectors, faulty coil pack, fouled spark plugs and vapour lock, can put excess strain on the starter motor and, if not resolved, can lead to a complete failure of the starter motor. The starter will continue to run or stay in mesh while the engine is running, which will, generally, cause a whining noise and, if prolonged, a burning smell. This can be seen on a starter motor as a bluish discoloration of the armature shaft and pinion. The usual cause for this is a sticking ignition switch or relay sending a constant feed to the starter motor. This must be resolved before running the vehicle, as it will cause permanent damage and, ultimately, failure of the starter motor.” “Finally, some starter motors are sent with locating dowels and guides, which should always be used when fitting a new unit. Not using dowels or guides may mean the unit won’t sit flush onto the bell housing, causing meshing issues and, ultimately, permanent damage to the starter and/or the flywheel.” For more information, visit:www.autoelectro.co.uk Match the power On what to look for when selecting rotating electrics from an aftermarket supplier, Fatiha Laauich, Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager at DENSO Europe observed: “Vehicle manufacturers specify numerous OE part numbers for their starter motors and alternators, which is why aftermarket suppliers consolidate their range as much as possible. A replacement starter or alternator does not have to look like the original unit, but it must match the power output and fitting interface dimensions. The most important features are long lifespan, along with fitting interface dimensions such as fixing hole locations, diameters, thread sizes, terminal locations, etc.” Adding a note of caution, she said: “Never use a starter or alternator with lower power output capacity for a vehicle that requires either with higher capacity. For example, do not use a 1.4 kW rated starter for a vehicle that requires a 2.0 kW rated starter, as excessive current flow will cause premature starter failures. Also, never use an alternator with lower current output capacity for a vehicle that requires an alternator with higher capacity. For example, do not use a 80A rated alternator for a vehicle that requires a 120A as overloading it will cause premature failure.” She added: “Since introducing its first commercial automotive starter motors in the early 1960s, DENSO has poured its world-leading engineering expertise into developing smaller, lighter units that can maintain the highest possible output. In 2001, for example, DENSO introduced the world’s first planetary reduction segment conductor motor (PS) starter featuring a square conductor in the armature coil. DENSO has also pioneered new alternator designs capable of producing more electrical power more efficiently, yet in a smaller, lighter unit. In 2000, for example, DENSO introduced the world’s first segment conductor (SC) alternator using a rectangular conductor for its stator coil.” For more information, visit: www.denso-am.eu Starter motor and alternator failure of the original part fitted to the vehicle is becoming more common and occurring earlier than previously ”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=