Early Porsche Altenator

[helidoc]

Right now I am having a dilemma regarding the altenator on my 1968 911L. As the car has not run for over 35 years and I am going through the restoration process I thought I might as well replace it with a new or rebuilt one. It seams that there were two alternators for this era of cars, a Motorola version and the rarer Bosch one which I unfortunately have. The Haynes manual states that the recommendation was for a rebuild every year or engine out so there may have been reliability issues. Everywhere I order seems to want to send me the AL 19K4 model which is not Bosch and is not the same as the original Bosch 0 120 400 522. I found a rebuilt one on line for over $500 which seems high even for Porsche and wonder if I could have mine rebuilt some where for a lot less. I did receive an AL 19K4 model but am unsure how much trouble it is to wire it up and I am not sure if it is internally regulated. I am trying to be as original as possible in the restoration. I have attached some picture and would appreciate the thoughts of someone that knows more about this subject than I do.

[lrodri64]

First you need to compare the height of both.

[Trackrash]

^ Good point.

A couple of things to consider. You won't see the alternator when it is installed.

And the internal regulated one will require a change in your wiring and you could remove your regulator, since it won't be needed.

Have you tried to get your original alternator rebuilt? That would seem to be the bet course of action. There are a number of shops that still do that sort of thing.

BTW, I am still running the original Motorola, which I rebuilt, in my '71.

"Rebuilt every year"? That must be a misprint.

[Jack Stands]

See if you can find a local rebuilder as the alternator should be rebuildable. I personally prefer the voltage regulator outside of the alternator as it can easily be swapped out if needed.

[John W.]

The only parts that wear on an alternator excluding the regulator are the brushes and bearings. A rebuild replaces them and is a good option.

[Flojo]

Attempt a rebuild yourself.
Disassemble, media blast housing parts.
WD40-bath inner parts then brush/clean or even dry ice.
Change bearings.
Check solder spots for cracking and resolder if needed.
Reassemble.
Get it tested (output)

[mepstein]

When I worked at the shop, I used to take the alternators and starters in for a rebuild to a local auto battery shop. For $75-125, they would look and work like new. That way I always knew it was the right part for the car and it was usually a day or 2 turn around.

[bavareze]

I see you are from California. I took my (Paris Rhone) to the alternator/starter repair shop I usually go to, and $75 after it ran like new. I can send you his contact information if you are from LA. Otherwise, just google a local alternator repair shop.