Technical Failed alternator in spain ducato 2.8 jtd

[emmenay]

I have a 2003 fiat ducato 2.8 jtd motorhome that i was driving to spain but the alternator failed and it was recovered to barcelona. At the moment I am 400 miles away from it as i was able to continue my journey with a ford ka that i had on a trailer.
Five days later and my insurance/breakdown company cannot find anyone to touch it, (we think because is english but hey ho.)
Now on hindsight I'm wondering if my solar powered leasure batteries would manage to keep the engine battery going during daylight hours and also, is the alternator belt driving anything else as its making some squealing noise and it would be easier to cut it off if not.
Fitting a new alternator myself is not an option as its just to awkward
Any help appreciated

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,
that's a tricky one isn't it

From what you've said it's a mechanical failure.. Rather than just stopping charging

Look to see if there is a 2nd belt driving the power steering pump

Older diesels don't need much electrical power once running

Your Ducato Might cope ok

 

[Communicator]

Water pump???

 

[emmenay]

That's a good point with he power steering belt, I didn't think of that. As its so far away currently I can't check but thank you.

 

[emmenay]

Water pump???

I'm pretty sure the water pump is driven by the timing belt but I could be wrong

 

[varesecrazy]

I'm pretty sure the water pump is driven by the timing belt but I could be wrong

That's more conventional.. But again worth checking..

 

[Communicator]

Sorry but my info suggests otherwise. Alternator and water pump on one belt. Cambelt drives camshaft (obviously), and auxilliary assembly, which comprises, hp pump, oil pump, vacuum pump, and power steering pump. I think that list is correct, and I am not crawling underneath to confirm at this moment.

 

[airwave]

Sorry but my info suggests otherwise. Alternator and water pump on one belt. Cambelt drives camshaft (obviously), and auxilliary assembly, which comprises, hp pump, oil pump, vacuum pump, and power steering pump. I think that list is correct, and I am not crawling underneath to confirm at this moment.

Yep , i'm afraid that is my understanding too . I would further caution using the vehicle without an alternator , as at 2003 , this is also likely a JTD engine and so almost certainly is equipped with an ecu . Had it been a pre 2001 you probably could have got away with it , as basically the engine only needs a battery to start , but there's no point in going down that route . I can't really help with locating a new alternator either , as my supplier is listing only 90ah units , where i would expect the larger 120ah version on later vehicles . Should i be wrong on that assumption , give me a shout and i'll forward the supplier .

(Edit , just had a quick look on ebay , and there are loads , at least one is a 120ah , but there are likely others)

 

[Communicator]

Yep , i'm afraid that is my understanding too . I would further caution using the vehicle without an alternator , as at 2003 , this is also likely a JTD engine and so almost certainly is equipped with an ecu . Had it been a pre 2001 you probably could have got away with it , as basically the engine only needs a battery to start , but there's no point in going down that route . I can't really help with locating a new alternator either , as my supplier is listing only 90ah units , where i would expect the larger 120ah version on later vehicles . Should i be wrong on that assumption , give me a shout and i'll forward the supplier .

My 2006 2.8jtd has a 90A alternator as original standard fitment. Higher rated alternators may have been available as an option.

 

[airwave]

My 2006 2.8jtd has a 90A alternator as original standard fitment. Higher rated alternators may have been available as an option.

Thanks mate , that's interesting . It was when i replaced my alternator on my 2000 , that i discovered there were two different amperage's . My original was 90ah so i replaced like for like . I just figured the 120 was fitted to the later JTD models .

 

[emmenay]

I'm a bit more up to speed now with the alternator setup, I've had a few days to educate myself.
I've had three garages around barcelona accept the job and then turn it down, I really do think it's because it's English and we're not the flavour of the month at the moment around those parts.
I had my 90a alternator changed about 12 years ago for a 120a but have always had trouble with squealing belt so I don't know what was going on with it.
It's so frustrating as it's so far away and I just want to go home now.
Supposedly it's going to yet another garage tomorrow but I'm just waiting for the phone call to say it's not.

 

[varesecrazy]

I'm a bit more up to speed now with the alternator setup, I've had a few days to educate myself.

I had my 90a alternator changed about 12 years ago for a 120a but have always had trouble with squealing belt so I don't know what was going on with it.

That's interesting..

I thought the bearings had failed..
But sounds like this has been a longstanding issue?

 

[airwave]

But sounds like this has been a longstanding issue?

Personally speaking , a squealing belt suggests to me it's not gripping the pulley's . Not always the case i realise , but a quick way of checking the bearing , is to spray something like wd40 on them . If there was a problem with the bearings , that would clear the squealing , but probably only for a short period .

I really do think it's because it's English

I really don't think that's the case . Yes , i am aware that we are , as you put it , not the flavour of the month , but frankly if that was the case , they would just turn the job down flat . The case that three different garages have accepted the job , then suddenly back out , suggests something else is in play here . Money is money at the end of the day , and an alternator change can be a nice little earner , if you catch my drift . A couple of hours work , and charge what you like . You have a motorhome , your stuck and you're in a foreign country . It's unlikely you be back anytime soon , so suck it up . Yes , it is a bitch of a job to do , i've done it , and just on a point of note my new 90 ah also squeals , and re the above comment wd40 does remove that for a short period . It does also have a new belt , but belt slip has no effect . My guess is once the dust settles on other things , i may well be doing it again , and i'm 63 .

Personally , i would suggest this could be a supply chain issue , due to a lack of these types of alternators , for whatever reason . All countries in the eu have issues and up set , the motor industry is in particular up set , and i think it may be more to do with this than anything else . Another thing could be space , a motorhome takes up a lot of space . They certainly don't want a motorhome stuck on their forecourt , even if they have space , especially during current times were insurance may become involved .
To me , it's looking like you have two options here . Get it hauled back or fit a 90 ah , and that may well mean fitting it yourself . But i personally think if you turn up at a garage , with a 90 ah in your mitts , they will probably fit the thing for you .