That is really odd. The Denso doesn't usually fail that soon. How sure are you it is the alternator?

 

And are you sure it was a NEW and not rebuilt alternator?

How many miles did you drive with this alternator?

 

The Denso alternators available on RockAuto are reman only. Unfortunately, the warranty is only 12 mos. I'm surprised to see a Denso fail so soon but there is always a failure rate for any part, even if low, for any part. Alternators will fail prematurely if they are asked to bring back a dead battery, especially when the alternator is new. So, if the battery is dead and you install a new alternator and try to charge the battery, you will damage the new alternator or shorten its life. You should always charge the battery before you start the vehicle after an alternator change.

If the battery has gone completely dead a time or two and you use jumper cables to start it and have the alternator recharge the battery it puts a huge load on it and they can wear out prematurely.

 

The Denso alternators available on RockAuto are reman only. Unfortunately, the warranty is only 12 mos. I'm surprised to see a Denso fail so soon but there is always a failure rate for any part, even if low, for any part. Alternators will fail prematurely if they are asked to bring back a dead battery, especially when the alternator is new. So, if the battery is dead and you install a new alternator and try to charge the battery, you will damage the new alternator or shorten its life. You should always charge the battery before you start the vehicle after an alternator change.

If the battery has gone completely dead a time or two and you use jumper cables to start it and have the alternator recharge the battery it puts a huge load on it and they can wear out prematurely.

The battery had to be jumped couple of times, for different reasons, so maybe that's the reason. But i didn't know it could happen so soon...

 

Got it checked from a mechanic, he said it's the alternator. Also, there's noise coming from it.
It was a reman

 

A whine is usually bad diodes. Just bad luck but don't let this deter you. Go with another Denso. There is no other good option.

 

A whine is usually bad diodes. Just bad luck but don't let this deter you. Go with another Denso. There is no other good option.

So no chance on repair?

 

Repairing/replacing the diode pack takes some doing. They are soldered to the windings and when I say solder I mean it takes a very large, and hot, soldering iron most of us don't have. To be honest, I'd just order another one from RockAuto or have your mechanic order one and install it, even if you have to wait a day or two. The parts house remans are no good right out of the box most of the time.

 

Repair of an alt is a bit difficult. There are solder joints that require a heavy duty solder iron, something most of us don't have. Also, I don't think you can buy just the denso diodes.

 

Alright. Had to get a new condensor anyway, so ordering alternator as well

 

I'd make sure the alternator is the actual problem before you replace it, as the Honda charging system is not simple.

See link:

chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://www.brakepartsinc.com/dam/jcr:deacbacd-2b2a-483b-88f8-6fc1cd26ebb5/11)%20Technical%20Service%20Bulletin%20-%20April%202017.pdf

 

He had a mechanic diagnose it.

 

I thought i should share an update. I think i now know the reason for failure. The alternator was soaked with engine oil, spilling from the vvti solenoid valve up top. I think my original alternator also failed because of this issue last year. I had bought a replacement gasket from ebay and replaced it at the time.

Looks like it started leaking soon after, judging by the amount of oil i see everywhere

 

Yes, leaking oil has been known to damage the alternators over time.

As for the leaking itself, aftermarket gaskets from eBay don't last long. I've learned this first hand. Best to use genuine gaskets, or at least good quality, name brand, aftermarket gaskets.

 

Yes, leaking oil has been known to damage the alternators over time.

As for the leaking itself, aftermarket gaskets from eBay don't last long. I've learned this first hand. Best to use genuine gaskets, or at least good quality, name brand, aftermarket gaskets.

John you know how to get the oem gasket?
I can only find the valve assembly, assuming it includes the gasket as well, its ~$150

2008-2017 Honda VTEC Spool Valve Assembly | Honda Car Parts Direct

15810R70A04 - 2008-2017 Honda VTEC Spool Valve Assembly - Honda Car Parts Direct

www.hondacarpartsdirect.com

 

Yeah, some of these gaskets are available and some aren't. Usually, it's best to just replace the valve anyway as I've seen so many here replace the gasket and then have P3497 code pop up later. Those valves wear out.

 

just wanted to report that new gasket was also leaking, but then I realized I might not have torqued the bolts to spec.
Torqued all three bolts to 9ftlbs and it's not leaking for now.
Hoping it lasts a little longer this time, will monitor more closely now and replace the whole valve if it happens again...