Alternator leaking coolant

jazzyj13 · #1 04-08-2013, 12:54 PM

Hello everyone, I've got a 2001 4.4 with 74k on it. I've been chasing this oil leak I've had for the past year, started by replacing the upper and lower CCV gaskets as well as the timing chain cover gasket but it was still leaking. After all that I think we've figured out where it's coming from, the oil filter housing and prepairing to have my indy guy fix it. While he was under there diagnosing the leak he noticed my alternater was leaking a bit of coolant. Given the age my the vehicle and the miles does anyone have any opinion on whether I should just replace the o ring on the alternator or get a new or rebuilt one. In passing my indy guy mentioned $900 for a new alternator, I know that's dealer pricing so I searched around and saw Bav Auto had one for a little over $500. Any thoughts either way. BTW this forum has educated me so much it's a priceless asset, thanks.

nebilex · #2 04-08-2013, 01:09 PM

Alternator leaking coolant? I am not familiar with the 4.4 but alternators usually don't have any fluid running through it (anyone feel free to educate me if I am wrong). Depending on where the alternator is located, I suggest looking at coolant hoses that are above the alternator and make sure it's not leaking from there. Also have checked you coolant level lately? You may already know this but the expansion tank is known for having a hair line crack and leaking coolant which could drip on the alternator.

bcredliner · #3 04-08-2013, 02:25 PM

Alternators from, I think 2000 to 2003, were water cooled. Often the leak is the lines in and out. Is the alternator still charging properly? Any growling noise from the alternator?

nebilex · #4 04-08-2013, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Alternators from, I think 2000 to 2003, were water cooled. Often the leak is the lines in and out. Is the alternator still charging properly? Any growling noise from the alternator?

I did not know that...

Is this on the 4.4 and up? I have the 3.0 and I believe it's the regular alternator, I will double check tonight.

X5SND · #5 04-08-2013, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebilex

I did not know that...

Is this on the 4.4 and up? I have the 3.0 and I believe it's the regular alternator, I will double check tonight.

3's are exempt.

To the OP; the dealer is generally about the most expensive route. You can check many of the online retailers for oem, aftermarket, new or remand units. ECS generally has a pretty good selection as well.

jazzyj13 · #6 04-08-2013, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5SND

3's are exempt.

To the OP; the dealer is generally about the most expensive route. You can check many of the online retailers for oem, aftermarket, new or remand units. ECS generally has a pretty good selection as well.

Oh I know that, any time a car goes to the dealer for service and there is no warranty the service guys get all giddy and dollar signs replace their eyeballs, that's why I was a bit dubious that my Indy guy kinda quoted me a price the dealer would charge for the part. I'm just wondering if I should bother replacing the whole thing or just the o ring

Dudewanarace · #7 04-08-2013, 03:38 PM

My 2001 4.4i had an alternator failure at about 90K miles I think. It just stopped charging, no leaks. So, that being said, there is some merit in replacing it while your there.

But, like others have said, I wouldn't think the O-ring would be the leak. It is more likely the coolant supply line that comes out of the top of the alternator housing and T's in to the upper radiator hose. I bet this was removed while doing your timing cover gaskets and either wasn't seated properly, or the O-ring in that connection is old and not sealing. There isn't a return line, as it vents the coolant back through the timing cover to the water pump cavity. Err maybe it goes the other way. Pump to alternator to external line to upper radiator hose. Not sure, but doesn't matter.

Hell, last time I had my alternator out I didn't even replace the main O-ring, just re-used it and it is working fine so I doubt that is your problem.

jazzyj13 · #8 04-08-2013, 02:33 PM

Yes my year X does have a liquid cooled alt. which does sound crazy I know. There is no noise or whine from the alt at all and it seems to be charging properly. My thoughts are if they're going in there to fix the oil filter housing leak they may as well address the alt since most of the surrounding junk needs to be moved anyway.