Alternator placement

Why is the alternator on any vehicle on the opposite side as the battery?

Thanks, cl8

Why is the alternator on any vehicle on the opposite side as the battery?

Thanks, cl8

I don't think thats true. For instance, my 89 olds 98, it's on the same side of the bay. (this isn't a pic of mine)

http://photos.imageevent.com/orange57/radio/websize/1_1.jpg

It doesn't matter what side its on. They usually put the battery on the same side as the starter (or wherever its closer) so the big starter cable is as short as it can be.

But the alternator and battery placement is more of a function of space limitations. They put them where they logically have the most room. Here are shots of my cars:

73 Impala 454. The battery is just out of frame on the left of the photo:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t264/curtis73/Ebay/ImpalaWagonnew454.jpg

96 Impala SS. (not mine, but similar):
http://www.bouffler.com/pics/enginebay.JPG

98 F150. The battery is on the left and the alternator is just left of center:
http://www.fordf150.net/photos/data/510/11999_ford_f-150_20.jpg

Belatted thanks for the replies guys!
I need to start checking the threads I started from my profile, since I don't find them in my usercp!

You have to subscribe to the threads to get updates.

Don't feel bad CL8. It could be worse. For example on some GM cars the battery is under the rear passenger seat or worse yet in a place where it is hard to service or replace like on the Dodge Stratos models.

Here is one that has the battery on the opposite side of the engine compartment. The alternator is located at the area of the passenger side strut tower. This pic is a '02 Olds Alero with 3400 V6.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/DSC02607.jpg

It could be worse. For example on some GM cars the battery is under the rear passenger seat

I first came across this on Audi cars in the 1980's.
It seems a bit strange at first but it makes a lot of sense.... it helps to reduce the nose-heavy weight bias found in many front-engine cars (for better handling) reduces engine compartment clutter and battery heat-soaking.

You have to subscribe to the threads to get updates.
When did that start?
Up until a few weeks ago I was getting updates
without subscribing to the thread, and shouldn't you automatically be subscribed if you started the thread?

Only if you have set your profile to subscribe by default. Under UserCP go to Edit Options and there is a drop-down menu that lets you set that preference.

When did that start?
Up until a few weeks ago I was getting updates
without subscribing to the thread, and shouldn't you automatically be subscribed if you started the thread?

Technically yes. I'm not getting any either and my User CP settings are fine too. For about a week now. If your User CP settings at Edit Options is OK you should be getting automatic instant email notification. See below.


Default Thread Subscription Mode
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Send a PM to our Admin twospirits to let him know you have an issue or we can address the issue for you.

Yes I do get e-mail notifications, but I don't check that e-mail too often.
I have been relying on clicking user cp when I log in. I guess I will change where I look for replies. and check my profile. :)

Thanks,
cl8