Frequently Asked Questions Q: Where is the alternator on a Porsche 911?
A: It sits inside the cooling-fan housing at the back of the engine, turned by the same belt that drives the fan. [YouTube] (youtube.com)
Q: How much voltage should I read at idle?
A: A healthy system shows roughly 13.5 - 14.5 V at the battery with lights and HVAC off. [forum data] (forums.pelicanparts.com)
Q: Can I drive with a bad alternator?
A: Only until the battery runs out-often less than an hour with headlights on. Continuing risks stalling and damage to electronics. [dealer blog] (porschechantilly.com)
Q: Do I need to replace the voltage regulator, too?
A: Many modern 911 alternators have internal regulators; replacing the whole unit refreshes both. If yours is external, test it separately. [regulator note] (rennlist.com)
Q: What belt tension is correct after installation?
A: For air-cooled models, push midway on the belt; it should move ¼-½ inch (6-12 mm). Adjust shims until it lands in that range. [DIY guide] (fcpeuro.com)
Q: Will a high-output alternator harm my wiring?
A: No, if you upgrade the main B-+ cable to match the higher amperage and keep grounds clean. Stock wires sized for 90 A may overheat at 175 A. [upgrade forum] (forums.pelicanparts.com)
Q: How long does an alternator last?
A: With regular belt checks and cool operating temps, 100k miles isn't unusual, but heavy city driving or high engine-bay heat can shorten life. [maintenance tips] (ebay.com)
Q: Are rebuilt units reliable?
A: Yes-if they get new bearings, diode trio, regulator, and slip rings to factory specs, many owners report years of service. [rebuild success] (forums.pelicanparts.com)
Q: Can alternator noise be fixed?
A: Whining often means worn bearings; a rebuild or replacement is the cure. Squeals are usually loose belts-tighten or replace the belt first. [owner report] (rennlist.com)
Q: What happens to old alternators?
A: Scrap yards strip them for non-ferrous metals; recycling one alternator saves enough energy to power a computer for hours. [recycling benefits] (brucemetal.com)
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Where is the alternator on a Porsche 911?
A: It sits inside the cooling-fan housing at the back of the engine, turned by the same belt that drives the fan. [YouTube] (youtube.com)
Q: How much voltage should I read at idle?
A: A healthy system shows roughly 13.5 - 14.5 V at the battery with lights and HVAC off. [forum data] (forums.pelicanparts.com)
Q: Can I drive with a bad alternator?
A: Only until the battery runs out-often less than an hour with headlights on. Continuing risks stalling and damage to electronics. [dealer blog] (porschechantilly.com)
Q: Do I need to replace the voltage regulator, too?
A: Many modern 911 alternators have internal regulators; replacing the whole unit refreshes both. If yours is external, test it separately. [regulator note] (rennlist.com)
Q: What belt tension is correct after installation?
A: For air-cooled models, push midway on the belt; it should move ¼-½ inch (6-12 mm). Adjust shims until it lands in that range. [DIY guide] (fcpeuro.com)
Q: Will a high-output alternator harm my wiring?
A: No, if you upgrade the main B-+ cable to match the higher amperage and keep grounds clean. Stock wires sized for 90 A may overheat at 175 A. [upgrade forum] (forums.pelicanparts.com)
Q: How long does an alternator last?
A: With regular belt checks and cool operating temps, 100k miles isn't unusual, but heavy city driving or high engine-bay heat can shorten life. [maintenance tips] (ebay.com)
Q: Are rebuilt units reliable?
A: Yes-if they get new bearings, diode trio, regulator, and slip rings to factory specs, many owners report years of service. [rebuild success] (forums.pelicanparts.com)
Q: Can alternator noise be fixed?
A: Whining often means worn bearings; a rebuild or replacement is the cure. Squeals are usually loose belts-tighten or replace the belt first. [owner report] (rennlist.com)
Q: What happens to old alternators?
A: Scrap yards strip them for non-ferrous metals; recycling one alternator saves enough energy to power a computer for hours. [recycling benefits] (brucemetal.com)
A: It sits inside the cooling-fan housing at the back of the engine, turned by the same belt that drives the fan. [YouTube] (youtube.com)
A: A healthy system shows roughly 13.5 - 14.5 V at the battery with lights and HVAC off. [forum data] (forums.pelicanparts.com)
A: Only until the battery runs out-often less than an hour with headlights on. Continuing risks stalling and damage to electronics. [dealer blog] (porschechantilly.com)
A: Many modern 911 alternators have internal regulators; replacing the whole unit refreshes both. If yours is external, test it separately. [regulator note] (rennlist.com)
A: For air-cooled models, push midway on the belt; it should move ¼-½ inch (6-12 mm). Adjust shims until it lands in that range. [DIY guide] (fcpeuro.com)
A: No, if you upgrade the main B-+ cable to match the higher amperage and keep grounds clean. Stock wires sized for 90 A may overheat at 175 A. [upgrade forum] (forums.pelicanparts.com)
A: With regular belt checks and cool operating temps, 100k miles isn't unusual, but heavy city driving or high engine-bay heat can shorten life. [maintenance tips] (ebay.com)
A: Yes-if they get new bearings, diode trio, regulator, and slip rings to factory specs, many owners report years of service. [rebuild success] (forums.pelicanparts.com)
A: Whining often means worn bearings; a rebuild or replacement is the cure. Squeals are usually loose belts-tighten or replace the belt first. [owner report] (rennlist.com)
A: Scrap yards strip them for non-ferrous metals; recycling one alternator saves enough energy to power a computer for hours. [recycling benefits] (brucemetal.com)
