Hi all, looking for some clarification

Got in my car before, turned it on and had a charging system fault and restricted performance. Usedy reader to clear all codes before restarting the car, or at least trying to but it now wouldn't turn over.

Started to smell burning and lifted the bonnet, smoke pouring from alternator so I disconnected the battery and slowly the smoke stopped. Now waiting for recovery to get
Me home

Question being, does that sound like normal alternator failure that could be rectified by straightforward replacement or is it likely to be something more than that?

Cheers

Sounds like the alternator, easy check is disconnect the alternator and reconnect the battery - there shouldn't be any smoke

I'm going to have to try and strip it down see if I can get to the alternator. Certain it is the issue with the smoke coming from it

Am I right in thinking I will be better off changing idlers / pulleys / belts too?

If the rectifier fails in the alternator thats exactly what happens if it goes short rather than open circuit. BMW i3 Electric Car
2012 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8 (now gone)
2006 VW Touareg 3.0 TDi V6

If the alternator bearings are ok, then the belt should also be fine. If the belt is worn, just change that.

I would not automatically change all the other bits just because of the alternator, if all these parts are fine - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Brilliant thanks, cars done 130k so will assess when I get to it

I am struggling at the moment to work out the best way to remove the cooling fan shroud, the wiki unfortunately has no pictures anymore so just a case of plodding on and seeing what I can achieve.

Look in the 2010/12 WM in the Wiki ( free download)

Click image to enlarge

That's absolutely marvelous. Just realised I already had.it downloaded and it's got a wealth of info. Cheers mate

There’s a YouTube video for that, sams motors or something. Think he’s a member on here as well. 61 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE
Def and discos of old