spacemanspif

iTrader: (5)

I have a stupid question as my title suggests. Does the alternator have to spin a specific direction to work properly?

I ask because when I had my manual steering box installed I routed the belt in such a way that spun it counter clockwise. I have since put power steering in and routed the belt the way Dayco said to rout it on the back of the belt sleeve and I noticed that the alternator now turns clockwise.

Engine seemed to run fine with either belt routing but I just want to know if I may have damaged my alternator during the time it was spinning "opposite"

Engine is 2004 5.3
Thanks,

Mike

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

I don't think it is a stupid question.

From what I understand (and remember from shop class) it doesn't matter.

Moter

iTrader: (20)

No it does not matter for it to charge properly....BUT the cooling fan inside is directional...so yes it will matter

spacemanspif

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the fast replies. Hopefully I did not damage it running it in reverse causing it to over heat. I planned to run the "manual steering routing system" (CCW rotation) while at the track but for the the price of another belt I think I'll bypass the power steering pulley while keeping the stock routing system idea.

I do have a wine wile at high RPM...I wonder if I ruined the bearing spinning it counter clockwise.

Moter

iTrader: (20)

unplug the alternator and rev the engine...see if noise goes away