Replacing VR without pulling the Alternator?
 

I am getting conflicting info about whether I need to pull the entire fan/Alternator in order to change my voltage regulator in my 86 carrera. My alt is only 50k miles old but I am clocking 15v driving and 14.3 with my lights on. Tach is bouncing too.

Most shops say absolutely must pull the alternator so I might as well sell you a new one. Another race shop said just remove the rear black housing to get to the VR.

Will any VR for the 86 3.2 fit both the Valeo and the Bosch?

Trying to get these answers before I face tearing it all apart.

Final answer? thanks glenn

yeah u have to pull it out. huhuh. sorry-- its not difficult, just maybe a little tricky ur first time. that race shop didnt mention to get to that black cover it has to be out of the car. just be sure to discon the battery and make a note of the wires on the rear of the alt

The 'black box' is on the back side of the alternator which must be removed entirely from the fan shrouding.
Only Valeo will fit. Be carefull at 16.5 volts the DME will fry.
Also around 60K is where I usually see these failures. Normally the slip rings on the armature wear down a few millimeters, so replacing the regulator/brushpack will gain you a few thousand miles before the same thing happens again.

Looks like I will spring for a full alt change. Thanks for clearing this up.

Not hard to pull but the wires are a b@#%*! ..too darn short.
I had mine rebuilt about eight years ago and have been good to go.

50K miles is quite typical for garage queens. High load on alternators because battery is not "topped-up" by daily driving. Almost always a strain on the poor alternator like forcing it to be a deep-charge unit.

Anyway...shameless plug --> might be of some help to you-->

Pelican Technical Article: 911 Alternator & Voltage Regulator Removal/Replacement

Great article and I followed it completely as I changed out my alt yesterday for the first time! Learned a helluva lot.

May be butt torque but the car seems to be running tighter and torque-ier. 14.3v at 2500 rpm now.