Rotating electrics remanufacturer, Autoelectro, has urged technicians to avoid a fitting error that leads engine coolant to cause alternator drive belt slip on Mini 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines models (2001-2009) and all models featuring the W10 engine code (2003-onwards).

Several alternator replacements have been subject to warranty claims, but, after inspection by the company’s technical experts, the cause of the problem was identified as coolant leakage rather than alternator defect.

Analysis revealed that when the original alternator was removed, the coolant hose close to the alternator was not detached or moved into a safe position, causing the pipe to rub against the alternator mounting bolts and rupture. Consequently, this caused coolant to leak onto the alternator and drive belt, resulting in the drive belt slip and a charging fault/low charge fault.

Autoelectro says to avoid these unnecessary warranty issues, technicians must ensure the pipe is moved safely away from the mounting bolts when removing the component. If the pipe is damaged in the process, it must be replaced.

Technical Manager, Dally Singh, said, “We want to ensure technicians are fitting Autoelectro products correctly, so they maintain excellent relationships with their customers and motor factor. Distributors can also take note of this information, so they’re up-to-speed and can liaise with their customers.”

This fitting advice is also available by signing up to Autoelectro’s technical support library. Doing so only takes a few moments and is completely free. The company’s website also includes the latest news, new-to-range part numbers and a series of useful downloads. This can be accessed at www.autoelectro.co.uk