How does alternator clutch work and can it be removed?

[AuroraGirlFromMars]

Can it be energized off of alternator on a different application?

[tigger]

An alternator "clutch" is basically just a one way bearing inside the drive pulley. The pulley turns with the drive belt, but the belt can't slow the pulley/rotor of the alternator, it 'free-wheels'.

Doesn't need to be electrically engaged like an AC compressor clutch. So yeah, you can take it off and use it for whatever you want.

Are we still talking about Auroras? I thought both gens used a solid/direct drive pulley...

[AuroraGirlFromMars]

I thought my alternator there, which came off my 2001, had a clutch pulley? Is there any reason it extends out past? I was grasping at straws. I was thinking the car used an electromagnet or something to vary the amount or something.

Idek lol

[tigger]

Easy enough to check, if you can turn the pulley by hand in one direction but not the other, it's a one way clutch pulley.

I just can't confirm or deny that they came that way, lol...

[AuroraGirlFromMars]

that pic i posted last year was my hyundais old alt, not my aurora.

my aurora had this oil covered one. i know its from the aurora because the front valve cover leaked a lot of oil for a long time before It was mine then I did the front gasket and probably stopped doing so much on it.
Its an ad237, standard for a 2001 3.5

fun fact, a ad237 from an intrigue could have



see the other pulley option? it only crossed to one car, that part number, a 1999-2001 intrigue. Interesting I thought, it would be nice because tensioners could live longer its smaller diameter the alternator would be putting out more at idle even and better serp belt life and stuff. BUTTTTTTTTTTT I would not want it on the aurora, which doesnt appear to be the case in the one i took off(the stock one) which makes sense. but a lot of intrigue alternators are sold as compatible with aurora 3.5 for obvious reasons.

if you have a 3.5 and your alternator which was aftermarket seems short lived, look at the pulley on it for the cap and the raised area, if you have that, It could have failed and the alternator just doesnt spin enough or at all or various possibilities. It may be possible to dismount one of those on the car but i cant remember the working space

would be cool tho on my ad237 on the buick park avenue which is accessible and I could then service it if it failed. and it would help reduce wear on the pullies, all 2 serpentine belts and 2 tensioners and dumb bracket and idlers galore pullies.