About a year ago, my 95s alternator went out and I had around 55,000 miles and I thought this was way too early for it to go out considering my 85 Celica,s lasted close to 210,000 miles. My question is when washing the engine, is it stoopid to have it running while cleaning. I picked up this habit I guess from having an engine with distributor,s and so forth. I don,t do this any more for fear that this caused it and I hate spending $400 to fix it. Thank you for any help.

 

No, unless you spray like right on the alternator, it won't affect it at all.

There should be nothing wrong with washing your car while it is running. Cars are left running through those drive through car washes all the time...it doesn't ruin any of them.


BTW, my alternator died at 32k miles. Maximas seem to have lousy alternators and starters.

 

Come to think of it I probably did spray directly on it. And yours went out at 32k? That sure is disapointing considering the quality is supposed to be their. Oh well