Thanks all for the suggestions/advice and encouragement. Will have a go at it later this week when temps are down.

If the bearings are shot, is that part of a normal re-build, or am I looking at replacing the unit?

Any suggestions for alternator shop on Long Island?

Jason

Why in the world is an OEM Alt 1400.00!!

?????????????????????????

This. Find a local rebuild shop and have then give the entire alternator a overhaul. And if it broke now, it would have failed very soon anyways. And replace the fan belts when things go back together. Get the Porsche branded alternator belt. One from the local FLAPS will never fit perfect. The AC belt is easy to swap with the standard belt. The alternator belt is a bit trickier.

I did the alternator removal twice in my early ownership. It's the kind of job that develops your basic skills into something slightly stronger.

A couple recommendations for a local Porsche shop;

Formula Motorsports
32-16 37th Ave Long Island City, NY 11101
718-557-9811

Rudtner's South Shore Performance
16 Saint Johns PlaceFreeport, NY 11520
516-971-7724

It's been a long time since I visited Formula Motorsports, but was a good experience. And, while I haven't been to Rudtner's I've heard they are also very good.

Hope you get back on the road soon and have a better experience on your next spirited drive!

As I mentioned above, rebuilding your current alternator is the ideal way to go. A "new" unit is likely a refurbished one. You don't know what bearings are in there, or what was skimped on to keep the price low. Ask a local rebuilder to use high quality bearings, and check everything out. You will likely have a better end result. And you will 100% have a unit that fits right, and has the right connectors.

Thanks Glen!

Jason

And to add to the rebuild recommendation. The shop near me charged me $62.00 for a complete overhaul. They have been in business just rebuilding electrical components since 1985.

I've got an old compactor that's 24 Volt system. A new tech tried for three days to get the correct Alternator from NAPA.
I was a little annoyed when he told me. I said, "Get our core back and take it to Boyle!"
They fixed it in a day.

I'd search maps or google for automotive electrical repair shop. It won't be a Porsche shop. Just guys that do nothing but starters, alternators, distributors, ect.

This happened to me as well.

Top of 3rd gear, WOT, just about to redline shift BANG!! ....sillenceeeee

I thought the motor blew up.

Alternator bearing failed, I decided to replace alternator, drove out of garage just as hard as when bearing failed.

Do not hesitate

My experience the same.
The name of the shop was FWB STARTER and ALTERNATOR, in business since 1981. When I got mine back very pleased I asked what other kind of work I could bring them.
He said “That’s it, starters and alternators”!

I'm in the process of removing the alternator, and meantime found that there were 7 shims on the outside of the pulley - none on the inside. This was not my doing ... had reputable shop do top end re-build 2 yrs ago. Any thoughts as to why there would be the need for 7 shims on the outer side - wrong sized belt?

Probably just an incorrect belt installed - too long nor maybe too narrow. Can you read the markings on it, should be 10x710

Some people have the alternator belt way too tight. I'm guessing this would kill bearings.

8 shims as you know is not correct;-) only 6 ..ever

Ivan

Alternator is out

found these pieces :

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1595465247.jpg

If I can get the alt separated from the fan (any suggestions?), I will take alt to shop tomorrow to have it re-built ... wonder if they will have replacement plug...

up-date: fan removed from alternator

Jason

Another Q

Bearing in mind that this is a '79 with exterior regulator .. trying to confirm wiring:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1595468779.jpg


Starting at 6 o'clock, going clockwise;

- 6 o'clock - 3 bundled brown wires (ground wires)
- 10 o'clock - two red wires (power)
- 11 o'clock (my index finger) - black wire which connects to brush unit (?)
- then heavy brown wire (ground to tranny)
- 5 o'clock - black/blue wire (alt warning light on gauge)

I've reviewed Prospero's schematic, but it does not match my alternator

Thanks

Jason

Yup, your alternator has the external regulator.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/473768-1982-911sc-alternator-2.html#post4672385

Hang on to the plug if for no other reason for the numbers on it.

As I mentioned above, look up the wood block method. It’s in many threads that outline the alternator R&R. I had to bonk mine at least 15 times to get it loose and that was after removing all six nuts and 3-4 of the long bolts that hold it all together.

I cannot remember where the black wire goes but the rest are correct. Or I should say the same as my 83.