Alternator housing crack

[namunyoska]

I noticed a crack on my Jeep's alternator and wondering what the side effects of not replacing it are. It hasn't given me any issues since I bought it 500 miles or so ago. An off road shop told me they didn't know what would happen if it broke, said maybe a fire. Is it worth replacing?

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

Maybe a fire. Maybe an earthquake. Who knows, maybe Covid-20.

Seriously, I'd just drive it and take another close look at it when I get where I'm going. I'd probably check the next few times I drove it to see if it gets worse. If it seemed to stay the same I'd check it every couple days, then once a week.

If/when it starts looking worse I'd plan on getting a replacement.

 

[pagrey]

I don't see a crack. I see casting marks but my old eyes don't see a crack.

 

[namunyoska]

Maybe a fire. Maybe an earthquake. Who knows, maybe Covid-20.

Seriously, I'd just drive it and take another close look at it when I get where I'm going. I'd probably check the next few times I drove it to see if it gets worse. If it seemed to stay the same I'd check it every couple days, then once a week.

If/when it starts looking worse I'd plan on getting a replacement.

I'd rather it result in a fire than Covid-20. At least that way I know I can't take it off road / to parks because I have no Jeep vs. having a Jeep and not being able to go anywhere.

I'm thinking a 1500 mile roundtrip. Might be fine but don't know when the crack started / how sturdy it still is.

 

[namunyoska]

I don't see a crack. I see casting marks but my old eyes don't see a crack.

The white line that seems to be about 2 inches long in the middle of the picture

 

[namunyoska]

I'd rather it result in a fire than Covid-20. At least that way I know I can't take it off road / to parks because I have no Jeep vs. having a Jeep and not being able to go anywhere.

I'm thinking a 1500 mile roundtrip. Might be fine but don't know when the crack started / how sturdy it still is. Jeep has 125k on dash

 

[TJ4Jim]

If there is a catastrophic failure which likely will happen eventually it could easily take out the main alternator bracket and you do not want to source that part so I would replace it sooner than later.

 

[Blondie70]

I'd replace it rite now.

 

[Mjv]

I'd replace it when you can. It might let go when you don't want it to.

 

[Zorba]

I'd replace it rite now.

I'd replace it when you can. It might let go when you don't want it to.

I wouldn't mess with it - alternators are cheap and easy to install - and you could even upgrade your current capacity if needed/desired. If it grenades on you, Goddess knows what it might take out with it.

 

[Mjv]

X2. Change it and while your at it, check all the componets that run off the serpentene belt. ( belt too). It might fend off future problems.

 

[crackedcornish]

I'd swap it out ASAP...electrical fires can be nasty

 

[namunyoska]

I guess I will replace it then. Thanks for the encouragement people

 

[Txbuck]

That crack looks to me like it's on the lower alternator mount bracket. The bracket is made of magnesium and cannot be repaired, you will need to find a replacement. I have seen these online even billet ones I believe out of Arizona

 

[TJScott]

I agree with Txbuck. That looks like the mount and not the alternator. I’d get at it with a pick or something and see how deep. If it’s shiny, it’s usually new.

 

[Vinman]

I agree with Txbuck. That looks like the mount and not the alternator. I’d get at it with a pick or something and see how deep. If it’s shiny, it’s usually new.

That crack looks like it’s on the alternator to me and I agree about replacing it asap. If it fails it could cause collateral damage to a lot of other components and if your luck is anything like mine, it will fail at the worst possible time.

 

[namunyoska]

The crack was definitely on the alternator. Went ahead and replaced it today; I don't want it going up in flames anytime soon

 

[Cooz]

I also saw a crack on my alternator, changed it right away.

 

[Zorba]

Where's a good place to get a replacement, esp. seeing as (I ASS-U-ME) you can't use the cracked one as a core?

 

[namunyoska]

Where's a good place to get a replacement, esp. seeing as (I ASS-U-ME) you can't use the cracked one as a core?

Local auto parts stores should have it, which is where I got mine. Also online for about the same price.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/crown-automotive-alternator-90-amp-9198-25l-or-40l-yj-tj.html