Alternator Issue
 

I have an '87 911 Coupe. I'm in the process of replacing a bad voltage regulator; I haven't ordered the part yet. I figured I should get the alternator checked out while it was out. When trying to remove the fan off of the alternator, I was banging the shaft on towels on my garage floor and the cap that covers the bearing on the opposite side broke off. I now know what I did was wrong. Furthermore, the fan does not rotate readily anymore. Can a auto electric shop easily repair it or would I be better off ordering a rebuilt alternator from Pelican Parts? If I bring it to a shop, should I have them replace the VR or would I be better off order the VR from PP as it might be cheaper and/or better quality and just have the shop rebuild other necessary items? PP sells two different brands of VR, Hueco and Valeo. Would it matter which one I get, since Hueco is much cheaper?

Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated.

FYI: I finally did get the fan off safely by using another method.

Has anyone done this before that can shed some light and help me out please?

Wayne has a DIY post. Pelican Technical Article: 911 Alternator and Fan Replacement & Upgrade

I would buy the VR from Pelican. A rebuild shop will likely charge a lot more for it and if they don't do many 911 alternators (high probability) it will take them a lot longer and more $$ to find one.

When I did this job a few years ago I bought the Valeo and it's worked fine since. No experience with the Huco though.

By 87, the alts had an internal VR and more than likely have been replaced and upgraded. Local rebuilders tend to have a better rep than remans sold by bulk suppliers. As always, best to bench test prior to install.

Just experience talking. Most if not all remans have a warranty, they don't cover labor.

Take your pulley half, shims and nut so it can be tested properly, ask me how I know