So, I purchased this 2003 Saturn Ion2 sedan with 135000 miles cheap because of "mechanical problem". This is for my kid and to teach him some car wrenching. The problem turned out to be dead battery and non-charging alternator. In some ways the car is neglected (filthy, black brake fluid, OEM spark plugs, burned out bulbs), in some other ways it was taken care of (clean ATF and engine oil, new brakes, decent tires).
I paid for used alternator with low miles on ebay and waiting for delivery. In the meantime, We are cleaning and fixing things.
The alternator actually started charging after scrubbing the car, including the engine. The engine was especially dirty. I used one of those engine degreasers in a can that smelled like diesel, rinsed with water, and dried before starting. When it started, the alternator worked (about 14V).
While I'll go ahead and replace the alternator and belt, but why would cleaning do that fix, even if temporary? BTW, The old belt looks decent and works fine (ie AC and WP working).
I paid for used alternator with low miles on ebay and waiting for delivery. In the meantime, We are cleaning and fixing things.
The alternator actually started charging after scrubbing the car, including the engine. The engine was especially dirty. I used one of those engine degreasers in a can that smelled like diesel, rinsed with water, and dried before starting. When it started, the alternator worked (about 14V).
While I'll go ahead and replace the alternator and belt, but why would cleaning do that fix, even if temporary? BTW, The old belt looks decent and works fine (ie AC and WP working).