I have a 88 nissan 4x4 kingcab , with a z 24 engine .. We have been getting alot of snow here , today we received 18 inches , but my problem is when my alternator gets wet from snow , the lights will dim for 30 seconds then get bright .. I have the factory pan on the bottom of the truck and the wheel wells are covered .. Ideas , is there some sort of mod to make the alternator better protected from swirling snow ??? Thanks all .. Total
Personally, I have never experienced this on our '92, and we have our share of snow here as well. Are you sure that it's the alternator itself and not just a poor connection somewhere? Or maybe the alternator just going bad?
I have heard of guys using spray water repellants (silicone) to protect electrical connections from moisture related problems. But, never having had this issue, I can't say how well this works or if it would be appropriate or effective for an alternator.
you say the wheel wells are covered, do you mean the rubber skirt that hangs down? make sure that it is not ripped/torn or missing the plastic caps that hold it on, the factory pan, are talking about the skid plate in the front to protect the differential carrier? make sure that it is bolted at the top and bottom. some of the older ones had a hook to help install the plate to get the bolts in the bottom 1st, make sure there are bolts on top.
other than that I don't see how you are getting snow in the engine compartment without using the bumper as a plow itself.
I replaced the rubber wheel well covers with a plastic / fabric that is used to make garages , no snow getting in there . The alternator is new and I did get it checked and it checked out 100% ...I was with the drifts pushing snow over my hood .. The amount of snow in the engine compartment was not excessive but do you think that snow melting on the alternator connections could cause the dimming problems ??? So silicone spray would help ?? Thanks ..
As far as the dimming, I had the same problem in snow and rain. My belt was slipping, so I put a good NAPA belt on, and it cured that. The Advance belt went in the garbage. It slipped since new.
I'm using a Nissan belt , I will change it maybe I got a bad one , I also sprayed on some clear wire / protectant on where the wires attach to the alternator ... Total (I will keep everyone posted , 6 + more inches of snow last night for a total of 30 + inches , nice driving ... ) LOL
Where in the country are you located? We probably got 18" on monday.
It think it may be time to update your profile, I don't think it snowed 18" in Florida. Hell I wish I was in Florida right now, enjoying the 80°F weather.
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88 nisssan 4x4 alternator / snow problem
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