Need help for USA made alternator parts.

[GH85Carrera]

The alternator on my 85 911 is rattling. I suspect the bearings are wearing out. It was rebuilt about 18 years ago, and 90,000 miles ago at a local shop that used American made parts. Also when it gets hot, as in driving for 8+ hours in 100+ degree heat it just barley charges to 12.5 volts. That is with the AC blasting and three fans on the condensers, and a big fan on the evaporator sucking electricity.

It is worn out. I did manage to find a local shop to do the rebuild.

I am pretty sure I have the Bosh alternator

What I am looking for is the parts source to be USA or Europe quality made parts, NOT Chinese garbage made from Chinesium.

So the the bearings, brush set, regulator and holder, Slip ring and rotor and the Tolerance ring.

I would prefer to have my unit rebuilt locally and have a known and tested quality unit put in, and not a sketchy "remanufactured" unit.

Thanks.

[GH85Carrera]

Second question, is the Bosch and Valeo version directly interchangeable?

I am under the impression they have differences in the wiring harness and mounts.

And I looked up a new Bosch alternator on our host's site is it is just $1,053.0o bucks.

[rowingone]

I took mine to a local alternator rebuilder that specialized in restorations . . I am sure there is one near you . . I would let them source the parts with the suppliers they are confident in. Mine alternator was shot and he replaced all bearings and electronics and it was only $250.

[dkirk]

I have the Valeo alternator in my '88 as original equipment and it lasted for 144,000 miles. Then symptoms developed similar to yours. Removed it and took it to a local auto electric shop to rebuild. Cost was slightly over $300 but it came back looking like new with many new parts. I told the shop I did not want the Chinese bearings installed and they complied by using NTN brand. The pictures show the items replaced. Has been working perfectly for the past 45,000 miles.

[47silver]

Alternators have different depths. Good move to get yours rebuilt to avoid the depth confusion.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Second question, is the Bosch and Valeo version directly interchangeable?

I am under the impression they have differences in the wiring harness and mounts.

And I looked up a new Bosch alternator on our host's site is it is just $1,053.0o bucks.

They are the same unit. Bosch never manufactured this alternator, only "rebuilt" it and put their name on the shipping box.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by mysocal911

They are the same unit. Bosch never manufactured this alternator, only "rebuilt" it and put their name on the shipping box.

Thanks. I thought as much, but I was not sure.

[PeteKz]

Glen, it sounds like you have a lot of electrical load, so you might consider crying once and buying the WOSP 175-amp alternator. I've had it in my car for several years and 15,000 miles. So far, no issues.

[pavegeno]

I’ll second the High-Output alternator. I have it in my 1988 and it made a big difference in my vehicle with updated four-fan Griffith’s A/C, bass speaker, other electronic gadgets (gps, voltmeters, usb charging, radar detector, etc). I routinely monitor 14 volts output when the previous stock alternator would dip into the high 12s and rely on the battery at times.

Good luck.

https://www.classicretrofit.com/en-us/collections/upgraded-alternators/products/porsche-911-high-output-175a-alternator-kit-1984-1989

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

Glen, it sounds like you have a lot of electrical load, so you might consider crying once and buying the WOSP 175-amp alternator. I've had it in my car for several years and 15,000 miles. So far, no issues.

The OEM 911 3.2 Paris-Rhone alternator at over 90 amps output is more than adequate!
An "upgraded" alternator is a waste of money.

[PeteKz]

Not if you're planning to install the Classic Retrofit AC/heat pump, like I am. That's why I dropped the dime for the WOSP.

[mysocal911]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

Not if you're planning to install the Classic Retrofit AC/heat pump, like I am. That's why I dropped the dime for the WOSP.

Yes, unfortunately for that nightmare, an A/C compressor running on 12V.

[GH85Carrera]

My 90 amp alternator is still charging at 13 volts with the AC running, headlights on and sitting at a traffic light. No need for more. And with the 4 condenser Griffiths Mr Ice installed and kicking butt on hot outside temps, there is nothing better.

My alternator did struggle after driving for 8 hours in 100+ temps, and it was heat soaked. It did fine when I stopped for a hour to have a meal, or see the Space museum in Albuquerque.

I will have him check out all the diodes and give it a full overhaul, the brushes are likely very worn.

Tomorrow is the fun day of taking it off, and getting it out of the fan.

[Alan L]

Those rebuild parts like bearings are standard items off the shelf. Nothing to do with propriety alternators. So you could get it rebuilt locally if you wanted. I have done my own at times. Take the old bearings in and get new ones.
If you want to stay at current (pun) output.
Alan

[Ctopher]

I replaced bearings on mine a couple of years ago. The local rebuild shop used only no-name bearings so I opted to replace with SKF bearings myself instead and used them to find me the correct Valeo end cap. Just an idea but might order bearings separately so you know what you’re getting. I used SKF high RPM (12k rpm) bearings meant for electrical devices.

CTopher

[wazzz]

I rebuilt my alternator some time ago. I remember the original 6303 bearing was a NTN SNR ref. FT150.
Can't remember what the other bearing was, but I think it was a NTN SNR too. Both are high temp bearings. The FT150 can withstand 150°C (300°F) and 12k rpm.
I have the NTN SNR catalog pdf if anybody wants it, but it is in French.

[doswald]

Back to the initial question:

I’m trying to have the Marchal alternator from my ‘71 911 rebuilt, but the rebuilder says he can’t find parts. Can anyone suggest a source for those parts?

Thanks for the help!

dho

[GH85Carrera]

I finally found a re-builder still in business. He has a 10,000 sq ft building stacked with old alternators, generators and starters. All are used as cores, or parts source.

He said he would replace the bearings and parts with high quality American, Canadian, or the European manufacturers. No Chinese junk. The regulator will get replaced, and it should be done soon.

I found a place to dry ice blast the fan and and fan housing. Then IO take them to be ceracoated in a titanium look finish, that is the toughest more abrasion resistant coating.

It should look a lot better, and the alternator should last another 90 to 100,000 miles. Likely to outlast me.

[GH85Carrera]

I just got a call from the alternator shop. I dropped it off yesterday, and it is all fixed up. $175.00 with two new quality bearings, new regulator, and other minor fixes. I will go get it tomorrow. If I left now I would hit rush hour traffic on I-35 and I refuse to participate. I will go tomorrow about 10:00 AM and have a nice easy drive. It is a 30 minute drive to the other side of Oklahoma City on the interstate most of the way at 70 MPH.