should the altenator get so hot that you can't put your hand on it? It was going at idle for about 20 min. before I noticed. I dont know if the alternator is faulty or is there some sort of short causing it to overheat? Majority has suggested it the alternator but just wanted some thoughts on this. thanks.
2007-01-06 06:07:54 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
The heat comes from two sources. The first is heat from the engine. The engine runs at about 200 degrees F, and that's plenty enough to burn.
Add to that the heat from the alternator, and they'll all get too hot to touch after running for a little while.
If an alternator were 100% efficient in converting mechanical energy to electricity, it wouldn't generate any heat of its own. But we all know this is impossible. That's why the alternator has fans built inside it to keep it cool.
2007-01-07 16:05:56 · answer #1 · answered by vrrJT3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a load on it. As long as the alternator keeps working, don't be concerned. Yes, they will get hot and it mostly has to do with how the engineers sized it.
2007-01-06 06:12:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋