So yesterday I took my MX to a car wash (it needed it). Afterwards, stopped to get some gas, I noticed a lot of smoke coming out from under the hood. Panicked, I popped the hood to take a peek ... it looked like the radiator had gotten wet in the wash and was just boiling the stuff off. The temperature guage was fine, and the steam soon stopped.
Later on, going home, I noticed an odd noise that matched the revs of the engine. Something rubbing? No squealing or anything like that, but there was a slight burning smell coming through the vent, which stopped as soon as I switched off the fan/heater. At any rate, the car ran fine.
Parked it, went home, tried to start it this morning, the battery was completely dead. Damn! I boosted it, started fine, no CHARGE light came on (I had to replace the alternator and belt a year ago). But as I drove off, power again dropped, the CHARGE light came on. So I headed back to my parking space, but along the way the power came up normally again, briefly, before dropping once more.
I looked again under the hood, thinking the alternator belt had maybe broken, but it seemed fine. When it was running, though, there was a burning smell coming from the belt(s), even though I haven't tightened them lately or done anything unusual.
Any thoughts on what the problem is? I'm hoping it's not the frigging alternator ...
Crazystrange problem -- alternator, belts, what?
Crazystrange problem -- alternator, belts, what?
You'll take my MX-3 away ... from my cold dead hands!
Nah ... I just gave it a close check, and I'm pretty sure it's the alternator. It's the source of the burning smell and the high whining sound. The belts and pulleys seem fine. Dammit!
Now to see if I've got the know-how to replace it myself ....
Now to see if I've got the know-how to replace it myself ....
You'll take my MX-3 away ... from my cold dead hands!
Anyone know if this alternator will fit in my MX? (95 dohc auto)
You'll take my MX-3 away ... from my cold dead hands!
Beats me, man.
I have noticed, though, that using the heater too much seems to cause problems. My habit is, on a cold winter day I climb in, start the engine, and blast full heat at full fan till the interior heats up, while the rear defroster is on and I'm playing a tape on the stereo (and the lights are probably on too). Basically putting it on full load a lot of the time.
Also, while I thought the replacement alternator was new, it turns out to have been a rebuilt model, which might have affected things.
I have noticed, though, that using the heater too much seems to cause problems. My habit is, on a cold winter day I climb in, start the engine, and blast full heat at full fan till the interior heats up, while the rear defroster is on and I'm playing a tape on the stereo (and the lights are probably on too). Basically putting it on full load a lot of the time.
Also, while I thought the replacement alternator was new, it turns out to have been a rebuilt model, which might have affected things.
You'll take my MX-3 away ... from my cold dead hands!