Vauxhall Astra - Alternator replacement.... oil issue

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Fri 14 Feb 2020 21:36
Vauxhall Astra - Alternator replacement.... oil issue - Kyle Carter

Hi all,

I'm having some trouble with replacing my alternator.
I have removed all bolts and connectors but came across a problem when disconnecting the last one (it's a thick rubber tube). I pulled the tube off and oil began running out of the end. I'd guess i'd had it off for no more than 5 minutes before replacing the tube and calling it a day. (it started to rain anyway )

I've dabbled with bits and bobs with cars and usually through YouTube videos and forums i can repair and replace parts, so it's not as though i'm completely useless at these things it's just that for the most part i follow what has been shown. ie. i know i need to disconnect this piece because that's what the video showed me, but it doesn't always mean i know what it is. So that being said, i'm assuming this is the oil connector. But, i only really read about small amounts of oil coming out, whereas mine was a consistent flow for up to nearly 5 minutes.

I took pictures throughout and i've labelled the pipe I THINK the oil was coming from....


I have a Vauxhall Astra sri ctdi, 05 plate, Diesel.

Please could someone advise me on what to do as i'm not sure where to go from here!

Thanks in advance

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Fri 14 Feb 2020 22:19
Vauxhall Astra - Alternator replacement.... oil issue - elekie&a/c doctor
I would say this is an oil return pipe, possibly from the turbo . Refit it securely and top up the engine oil. Shouldn’t be any real problem .
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Sat 15 Feb 2020 16:24
Vauxhall Astra - Alternator replacement.... oil issue - Kyle Carter

Ah okay great, thank you for your help

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Sat 15 Feb 2020 09:50
Vauxhall Astra - Alternator replacement.... oil issue - Andrew-T

Are you saying there is an oily connection to your alternator? First one I've heard of, but I'm no expert ....

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Sat 15 Feb 2020 16:26
Vauxhall Astra - Alternator replacement.... oil issue - Kyle Carter

Yeah i think its called the oil return pipe.

Maybe it depends on the car? I've seen YouTube videos where the alternators didn't seem to have any oil going to them.

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Sat 15 Feb 2020 18:30
Vauxhall Astra - Alternator replacement.... oil issue - elekie&a/c doctor

Just to clarify the situation. Some diesel engines have the brake vacuum pump attached to the rear of the alternator, driven by an extended shaft . This is the type that has an oil return pipe attached to it.

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Sat 15 Feb 2020 18:39
Vauxhall Astra - Alternator replacement.... oil issue - Andrew-T

Ah, thanks for that, elekie. I didn't think an alternator usually had any use for oil ....

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Mon 17 Feb 2020 00:56
Vauxhall Astra - Alternator replacement.... oil issue - Kyle Carter
Would it be okay then to allow the oil to spill into a pan whilst I complete the replacement? Then after check my oil levels and top up.

Thanks
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