Charging system (oil) clarification please?

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 9:28 pm

I had mentioned in a recent thread that the clutch plates are not oil bathed, having in mind how 'bathed' the engine's clutch plates are, but that they do run with oil on them. In response to what I interpreted as a question about finding oil inside the alternator casing and there possibly being an O ring (or whatever) that might have caused it, I said there is no O ring, meaning that nothing was wrong with finding oil on the alternator's clutch plates. I have since read that the clutch plates (are) in an oil bath.

So, what's the consensus? Are the alternator clutch plates considered to be in an oil bath or are they slightly oiled for proper operation?

CBXRoger · Post by **CBXRoger** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 12:29 am

The alternator clutch plates are oiled by splash from the transmission. Upon assembling the alternator to the engine, the shop manual calls for molybdenum disulfide grease to be applied to the clutch surfaces.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:50 am

Actually the alternator plates are supplied with oil from the low pressure supply of the oil pump, through the hollow primary shaft & out through a small aluminum restrictor into the middle of the plates. The 4 radial grooves then sling the oil out across the surface of the plates.....I know that is the case for the 1980 model....As Roger has said, it is wise to grease the plates upon installation. This pre lubes the plates until oil flow is established....