Question regarding generator voltage regulator

[Swallowtail]

Hey, I’m in the final stages of my engine rebuild (911 2.4T) and wanted to get my generator rebuild. Now I saw that a new aftermarket unit is only about 170 bucks.

My question is that the new unit comes with an internal voltage regulator. Does that mean I can remove the voltage regulator in the engine bay?

Thanks!

[PeteKz]

Short answer: Yes, remove it.

Longer answer: Do not connect the plug to the external voltage regulator if you have an internally regulated alternator. I don't know if that will cause a problem, but you don't want to find out the hard way. Be sure to look closely at the wiring diagrams for your car in order to make the right connections on your new alternator. Also install bigger ground wire from the alternator to the engine, and larger red wire from the alternator to the starter to handle the additional current.

I have a 1973 911T and I replaced the old alternator with the WOSP 175A internally regulated alternator. My car will never be a concours restoration, so I will remove the regulator wiring and connector from the engine harness at some point too. If you don't think you will restore your car to original, then you should consider removing the regulator wiring while you have the harness off the engine. But, be sure to leave in the wire that goes to the warning light in the instruments. That is the blue wire to the 14-pin connector.

[reclino]

Be aware that the $170 rebuilt unit your installing has a voltage regulator chip in it with a wholesale value of about $1.00 and it came from China.... Maybe buy a spare and cary it with you and the tools to change this on the roadside. I have a 1986 930 and rebuilt the alternator myself,.and backdated it to an external regulator. Because I can buy a spare Ford external regulator anywhere and swap it on the side of the road with no tools.
I woukd.like to eventually upgrade to the WOSP alternator, which has a brand new Nipon Denso alternator and regulator inside,.it will likely outlive the engine.

[darrin]

The $170 rebuilt unit will likely also include crappy bearings and other parts reflecting its low price -- BTDT, had my inexpensive rebuilt unit fail rather spectacularly within a few thousand miles and ended up getting my original alternator rebuilt by a local "mom and pop" alternator shop. Not sure if you have the equivalent in Germany, but worth checking out (or springing for a quality unit).

[GH85Carrera]

Get the old unit rebuilt by a local shop that cares. Ask for non Chineesium bearing and you will have a unit that last many years. The $170 unit is likely junk.

[Swallowtail]

Thank you all - you have me convinced to go another route. They have a new original Valeo unit for 100 bucks more which is probably a better choice.

In regard to my old alternator I'm not sure it it's an original. The only markings I could find were the numbers 11 14 06 next to what looks like an iron cross

If it's indeed the original unit I will look for a rebuild service.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by Swallowtail

Thank you all - you have me convinced to go another route. They have a new original Valeo unit for 100 bucks more which is probably a better choice.

In regard to my old alternator I'm not sure it it's an original. The only markings I could find were the numbers 11 14 06 next to what looks like an iron cross

If it's indeed the original unit I will look for a rebuild service.

It appears you have Marchel 70 amp alternator with an external regulator, used form 1976 thru 1981.