When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Just switch to a billet Alt bracket. I never really noticed my alt temp but its very hot to touch after a 10 min drive. IR gun reads 140 on alt and bracket too. Everything works, no blown fuses or burning wire smells. Is this normal temp for a chrome alt?
Last edited by Bloodzone; Sep 1, 2017 at 02:55 PM.
Rookie here: I tested my stock alternator and got similar results...... the alternator is usually as hot (or slightly hotter) as the surrounding area. As long as it isn't whining/roaring and it is charging correctly it should be O.K.
You could aim the gun directly at the rear bearing to see if it is much hotter than the case....I don't know if you could get a good reading on the front bearing.
I tested my stock alternator and got similar results
I did the same thing few minutes ago. Used wife's crossover and it was just as hot if not hotter. I do have a new sound since I installed billet bracket. Very slight whining. Thats what got me looking. Wonder if I got the belt too tight and its heating up the bearings. I'm gonna get the meter out and see how that looks next. Thanks
I pull the belt until the alternator fan is just a touch past where I can turn it by hand. Been doing it that way for 40+ years. Never lost an alternator because of bad bearings.
140F is normal since your engine temp is higher than that and under hood temp is probably about the same. The chrome finish probably hinders heat dissipation as it is a coating over the cast housing but your temp is not above what it should be. The front end of your exhaust manifold or header is also sitting just below the alternator which really wont help much either.
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Sep 2, 2017 at 11:47 PM.
Alternator.... is 140F too hot?
