Area Representative DerekH Posted January 30, 2023 Area Representative Share Posted January 30, 2023 My 270S SV's alternator has failed while laid up for the winter. No battery light on the tacho when ignition on and no output voltage from the alternator. The connection for the light is completly corroded.I think its my fault but I thought I'd share it on here. This is a 2020 car so just 3 year old.I washed the car before I put it away. the Sigma alternator sits almost on the top of the engine and the connector is vertical. It is directly under the louvers on the LH side of the bonnet.So to remove the alternator on a Sigma you need to drain the coolant to remove the aluminium pipe that runs behind the inlet manifold to access the bolts. This led me to find out the radiator is leaking in all four corners and need to be repaired, replacement ordered from Radtech.So my idea is to make a rain/water shield to protect the alternator, has anyone already done this?DerekH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_Stamp Posted January 30, 2023 Share Posted January 30, 2023 I put an old towel under the bonnet when I am washing the car to avoid too much water getting in through the louvres. Stops all the water marks also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted January 30, 2023 Area Representative Share Posted January 30, 2023 Oh dear, that is a mess.Do you think you can replace the connector? If you can't get into it ,,maybe Unit Exchange in Borehamwood can help. https://www.unitexchange.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted January 30, 2023 Member Share Posted January 30, 2023 Can you add a photo of where the alternator is mounted? Is that the standard position on Sigmas?If you get it rebuilt ask if the terminal block can be fitted so that the terminals are more protected.Ditto if replaced.Can the whole alternator be rotated?Is a protective rubber boot available?Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted January 30, 2023 Member Share Posted January 30, 2023 "This led me to find out the radiator is leaking in all four corners and need to be repaired, replacement ordered from Radtech."Have you seen the posts about making sure that there is no twisting force from the brackets on the radiator? Might require bending brackets, opening mounting holes, and packing with washers.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted January 30, 2023 Share Posted January 30, 2023 Thanks for the heads up will keep connector dry. No need to worry about rain.can I ask is the plug easy to unplug and plug back in with alternator in situ. I have some Connector Protector gel I may use to coat terminals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative DerekH Posted January 30, 2023 Author Area Representative Share Posted January 30, 2023 The mounting is part of the alternator body, 3 bolts. two on top behind the water pipe running behind the manifold and one on the underside.It can only be mounted in this orientation.The cable gland does not really provide enough waterproofing. I'll be adding some RTV sealant inside the gland/boot.A new unit has been sourced from Lancaster rotary electrics for £75 including shipping. It's a Ford part.When fitted in a Fiesta it gets a nice roof over it, staying dry.Thanks for the answers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted January 30, 2023 Member Share Posted January 30, 2023 ThanksJonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted January 30, 2023 Share Posted January 30, 2023 Connector protector gel and sealed with clear RTV should keep the rascal dry. Thanks for the info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted January 30, 2023 Share Posted January 30, 2023 Just a thought there are other elec connectors eg cam solenoids that may be subject to water ingress from louvres maybe worth attention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K7 VCT Posted January 30, 2023 Share Posted January 30, 2023 A common problem on sigma cars, had the same a few years ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colindavies56 Posted January 31, 2023 Share Posted January 31, 2023 On a 2010 sigma the top radiator pipe is one piece, and routed at the side of the alternator, not above it. Yours could leak in 2 places, one above a belt and one above alternator plug. That looks like a 3 year drip to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative DerekH Posted January 31, 2023 Author Area Representative Share Posted January 31, 2023 Interesting, I'll take a good look when it goes back together.ThanksDerek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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