Alternator for 02 LS1

[Spider]

G'day fellas..Happy New Year

On my 02 VX SS the battery light is starting to come on. First it was a flicker at high revs now it's coming on more often and staying on longer.
So.. I think I need a new alternator.

Question is: Which one? What models use the one I need? as in VT-VY?

They've got them at Holmart for $289..
http://holmart.com.au/online/prod576.htm



And eBay has then for $239
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Alter...2d54045&_uhb=1

I used the compatibility chart on that eBay one and it said it's not compatible with my vehicle. That can't be right? So that got me thinking about compatibility issues and confused as to which one I need for my car.

Can anyone help me out here.. I'm a bit confused now.

[planetdavo]

All VT2-VY Gen 3 LS1 use the same Mitsubishi alternator.
VZ Gen 3 LS1 had a different one, VZ Gen 4 (L76/L98/LS2) had a different one again, then VE Gen 4's had more different ones again.
If a place can't figure out one to suit a VT2-VY V8- the easiest of them all to answer- I'd probably suggest you stay clear to avoid possible pain once you get it...

[Spider]

All VT2-VY Gen 3 LS1 use the same Mitsubishi alternator.
VZ Gen 3 LS1 had a different one, VZ Gen 4 (L76/L98/LS2) had a different one again, then VE Gen 4's had more different ones again.
If a place can't figure out one to suit a VT2-VY V8- the easiest of them all to answer- I'd probably suggest you stay clear to avoid possible pain once you get it...

Cheers Davo, that's what I thought.

[Micks]

I used these guys on ebay for a starter & was very reasonable http://stores.ebay.com.au/Starter-Ce...1&_sop=1&_vc=1

[HSV Listy]

Their is a good write up online how to change the alternator.
I found it easier to pull the radiator. Saved allot if trouble and much more room. Took about one hour to swap.
I got mine from holmart. Don't forget freight for holmart items as it added a bit to the cost

[Spider]

Their is a good write up online how to change the alternator.
I found it easier to pull the radiator. Saved allot if trouble and much more room. Took about one hour to swap.
I got mine from holmart. Don't forget freight for holmart items as it added a bit to the cost

Have you got a link for that Listy ?
I done a search but couldn't find anything.

[Wonky]

FYI - the part number for the alternator I bought recently for my daughter's VY2 SS was 92058857.

[planetdavo]

FYI - the part number for the alternator I bought recently for my daughter's VY2 SS was 92058857.

Wonky's information is correct for all VT2-VY LS1.

[Micks]

Really only need to remove your intake & Rad fans which should take under ten mins. Don't take the Rad out!!
the rest of the job should take you no more than an hour with a bit of fiddly about'
NB: Anyone else reading this also, good thing to check your P/S reservoir periodically for hose/clamp leaks as it's the best thing to Root your Alt that's sits right under it!!!

[Lunchbox]

If you can handle not having your car for a day then why not pull the alternator yourself and then give it to an auto elec to replace the regulator/brushes unit for a fraction of the cost of a new one??

Cheers, Lunchbox

[Wonky]

We tried that with my daughter's one and I don't know how/why but a reco one was going to cost almost as much or possibly even more (can't remember exactly now) than I could buy a brand new genuine one for! (ex Holden employee price). I suspect that auto elec is so busy he can't be bothered reconditioning his own.

[HSV Listy]

Oil was the reason for changing mine.

Still dam engine bay near caught on fire after the test drive this arvo. the big wire connecting to the back got squashed against something when I fitted it and insulation burnt through and and while sitting when I got home caught alight. Lucky my dog barked as I was inside while it was burning , flames and all

So off it comes again dam it, I'm buying a ratchet spanner to get that 15mm back bolt this time.

Good point about the radiator, I have a 68mm fat verSion so takes up lots of space and tight even without fans

I can not find the link but 15mm back bolt ring spanner, 13mm socket front,
Take care removing the plastic clip as mine was brittle as
Remove fans as mentioned earlier and take belt from alt pulley too.
Back in simple too but check the wire is free and not squashed

[HSV Listy]

Bit more detail

Put car on stands as it saves working at ankle height if a lowered car
Set up a big fan if in the tropics to keep cool
Disconnect battery
Remove rad fans, 4 bolts and one plug
Undo belt, 15mm socket on tensioner
Undo back bolt, 15 mm rachet ring spanner, (optional pull spark plug lead to save damage to the plug lead. Vx optional to pull overflow hose to the side and plug tank to stop coolant flow)

Undo two front 15mm bolts with socket with small extender bar
Jiggle alt and turn to access the plug and the bolt, remove both, 12mm open end spanner
Pull out
Check the plug connector is not cracked and terminals all good

To put back in
Connect up wires and plug
Lift alt with hand supporting it and put in back bolt so it just is in place with a few turns on
Put on belt to support alt and put in two long bolts
Tighten back bolt checking wires are ok and not jammed up against anything
Tighten other two bolts
Check belt all lined up as it may have fallen off or half off a pulley
It's all automatic lining up so no adjustments needed
Put all back together as per the start, plug lead, fans, rad hose etc
Reconnect battery and test charging at around 14 or so volts at 1500 rpm

Others may have better ways but that works for me

Cheers

[Micks]

Bit more detail

Put car on stands as it saves working at ankle height if a lowered car
Set up a big fan if in the tropics to keep cool
Disconnect battery
Remove rad fans, 4 bolts and one plug
Undo belt, 15mm socket on tensioner
Undo back bolt, 15 mm rachet ring spanner, (optional pull spark plug lead to save damage to the plug lead. Vx optional to pull overflow hose to the side and plug tank to stop coolant flow)

Undo two front 15mm bolts with socket with small extender bar
Jiggle alt and turn to access the plug and the bolt, remove both, 12mm open end spanner
Pull out
Check the plug connector is not cracked and terminals all good

To put back in
Connect up wires and plug
Lift alt with hand supporting it and put in back bolt so it just is in place with a few turns on
Put on belt to support alt and put in two long bolts
Tighten back bolt checking wires are ok and not jammed up against anything
Tighten other two bolts
Check belt all lined up as it may have fallen off or half off a pulley
It's all automatic lining up so no adjustments needed
Put all back together as per the start, plug lead, fans, rad hose etc
Reconnect battery and test charging at around 14 or so volts at 1500 rpm

Others may have better ways but that works for me

Cheers

Didn't realize the VX had the rad fans bolted in what a pita! The later models all just click in ffs!! Piece of piss to get em out!
Off topic I had a repairer charge me two hours labour to change a rad once in one of these @ $110/hour!! The last one I did took me 22mins tops old one out new one in & new coolant pouring down it's neck whilst it was kicking over, in another ten mins was up the local having a schooner!

[Spider]

Thanks everyone for the replies. And Listy, that step by step is great, cheers mate.

I got a second hand one for $80