Altenator problems

[ryan32777]

have an 87 xj, that i mud quite frequently, my problem is i keep burning thru altenators, im about to replace third one. the shop keeps saying cause im getting mud in it and to just stop mudding, there talking insane, i need to know is there anything i can do to eliminate this prob, is there a relocating bracket out there to mount it higher or something else maybe. please help thanks

[Brasscatz]

I think there's a way to fab a mud shield for it. I'll do some searching and see what I can come up with

[Brasscatz]

Here's probably the best writeup for making a splash shield: http://selfrelianceworkshop.com/2013/03/15/automotive-diy-jeep-cherokee-xj-alternator-splash-shield.aspx

Then other people's attempts: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/alternator-splash-shield-51953/

http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/splash-guard-my-alternator-178542/

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/alternator-splash-guard-245787/

[bluedragon436]

Are you talking about just driving through and splashing through the mud, being submerged in the mud?? and what kind of mud do you play in?? If it's that clay stuff, you are probably never going to find a way around protecting the alt from that stuff!! LOL.. I have driven through quite a bit of water, and run through mud holes quite a bit since I got my XJ, adn even deeper ones once I lifted my XJ... and I am replacing my first alt since I got the XJ 5 years ago.. (well a friend is replacing it as I am currently deployed, and I guess it locked up the other day and shredded the belt when he started it the other day)...

Since you're up north, have you thought about relocating the alt up to where the A/C compressor is, and deleting the A/C system??

[cantab27]

hit it with water after muddin ...wont hurt it ...that's all I do for mine anit replaced one yet ...and I kinda like the mud ......also learn how to pull em down and clean em ....

[ryan32777]

thanks gonna try to take mine apart and clean it myself but i take mine thru some deep holes mainly water at first until bigger trucks go thru. and gonna try building a splash guard thanks for yalls help

[4.3LXJ]

If you want to do a lot of work ..........................

You can use the YJ brackets which swaps the alternator and AC pump. But you will loose the mechanical fan. So you will have to convert to electric fans

[NW99XJ]

There is one other option that I'm surprised hasnt been mentioned yet....
Find a place near your town that rewinds/refurbishes/rebuilds alternators and starters.... usually these places can or least will point you in the right direction of a place, that seals alternators, similar to the way that marine alternators are built.
Now there is no such thing as a completely 100% sealed alternator. They all have to be vented some way to dissipate heat.
However the brushes, contacts, and other internals can be treated or sealed, and of course the use of double sealed bearings on the shaft will ensure long term operation in adverse conditions.
If you want plug and play there are companies that provide solutions, ...but you're going to pay a premium price for this.....
RUSH POWER SYSTEMS (http://www.rushps.com/offroad.html) is one that offers "Offroad Specific" Alternators. They make theirs "water resistant", with things like epoxy coating and gel filled connections, sealed bearings, etc.....

Another is Mean Green (http://www.mean-green.com/ALTERNATORS.html) who have been the industry leader in performance alternators and starters for many years.

I'd say start calling around, and talking to some of the alternator/starter shops around town, and see what they say. You just might find a guy who does this sort of thing in his spare time, and can hook you up..... you just might get your alt rewound while your at it, and get another 100 amps out of it!

Good luck.