UK Car Repair: electical problem, woodruff key, altenator

Question
it was a dogy altenator bought brand new but was faulty
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Followup To

Question -
astra estate 1700 diesel w reg 2000 problem seems to be between alternator and power steering found that when alternator is pluged in power steering does not work when unplugged steering works alternator is new and has been tested have also had power steerig checked out to but battery light is still on and no steering unless you unplugged alternator

Answer -
Sounds terrible,

I suggest shooting it and seeing if it changes its mind about working.

Does it squeal when it runs?
Do you notice the engine lugging when the components are all plugged in?
Does it smoke or small funny?
Has it been using an irregularly large amount of fuel?

Does it speak in tongues and has it been known to mow over unsuspecting pedestrians without any provocation?

Try pouring holy water over it, then answer all of the other questions and I will try to come up with some real identifiable problems and solutions.

Regards,


John


Answer
Well, that is a better outcome than what I thought it might be as these cars have a tendency to snap off the woodruff key on the crankshaft allowing the crankpully to free spin and eventually fly off. It's a GM thing... The GM made Saab’s in the USA have a problem in the 1995-98 models where they toss off their timing belt gears and make a general mess of things. You can keep track of the alternator by listening for a sound that is reminiscent of an old microwave. The alternator will hum when it is loading up and causing a huge draw on the engine. It can even cause the belt to stop turning and smoke it right off the pulley. Good luck with the car and sorry for the wait, it has been a bear at the shop this week.

Regards,

John