New alternator spin freely question?

[samwing1500]

Shouldn't a new GL`1500 alternator spin free by hand, right out of the box, without any drag, or at
least with only slight drag (brushes) not really very noticeable.

[MikeB]

Shouldn't a new GL`1500 alternator spin free by hand, right out of the box, without any drag, or at
least with only slight drag (brushes) not really very noticeable.

Yes, of course. If it is an aftermarket alternator, as in off of Ebay, I would be highly suspect of it.

[samwing1500]

Thanks for the reply.

[CrystalPistol]

They have more drag than just brushes. There is a seal and the bearings too. When you grab and twist it you are also exerting torque to spin a bit of weight of the rotor built up of laminations and windings which make it an electromagnet. If you're just slowly turning it not so much. but if you're hold it in one hand and giving it a twist to see it spin, you gonna feel the weight being spun up.

[samwing1500]

Ok. Thanks. I was holding it in one hand and turning the 4 blade impeller with my
other hand and there is considerable drag. Very very noticeable even if just rotating
it slowly. Of course it won't spin at all. I am returning it for a replacement. There is
too much drag to make me comfortable installing it.

[newday777]

Ok. Thanks. I was holding it in one hand and turning the 4 blade impeller with my
other hand and there is considerable drag. Very very noticeable even if just rotating
it slowly. Of course it won't spin at all. I am returning it for a replacement. There is
too much drag to make me comfortable installing it.

What did you get for an alternator?

[samwing1500]

newday777

I went with a new Compu Fire. Very tight to get it
in the frame but it's in there.

[newday777]

newday777

I went with a new Compu Fire. Very tight to get it
in the frame but it's in there.

Yes I put a few in, my own and others, and yes they are a tight fit.

[samwing1500]

Just for comparison, here is a pic of stock (top) alternator and the new (lower) Compu Fire installed.