Condition of this Alternator?
 

The alternator sounds fine when working and does not sound as if anything is binding it. Obviously the regulator is busted because its overcharging the battery. I tested it and got really high reads over 14.1 and so I ordered was a new regulator.

Well, I took it all apart and inspected the old regulator and the copper wheels. The copper has deep grooves and one of the old contacts on the regulator chipped off.. What do you all think? Should i just use the new regulator with the old alternator?

How bad is it?


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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1385005860.jpg

I would say the grooves are 2mm deep max... is that okay or am I just being paranoid?

Yanik,
I would take it to an marine or auto electrical shop and have them turn the slip ring, install new bearings and install your new brushes. If the diode plate and regulator are part of the brush housing you're showing, then you're done. If not, replace the diode plate and regulator, as well. The machine work, bearings and brushes should cost less than $90. Don't know what the regulator and diode plate would cost, but the whole thing should be a lot less than a new one.

Mike

Mike, Thanks for the reply. I have a working used one its way I got from someone here on the boards. Should be here very soon. Worst case scenario I will install that and get this other one repaired in the mean time. Thanks so much... Looks like I'm done wrenching for tonight.

Btw I wouldn't consider 14.1 excessive. But it is obvious your alt needs work. Hopefully you can get slip rings replaced and you are good to go.

yanik -- I too am in colorado and believe that my alternator is at about the same place as yours -- let us know what machine shop you end up taking yours to for repair.

Thanks!

Alternator Starter of Campbell (CA) rebuilt mine including the regulator for $130. He was formerly Auto Letrics. Has a very good reputation. 408-748-4754/408887-5039. 2346 Amethist Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95051.

Hi Yanik and darrin,

I used D & D Auto Electric
10920 W 44th Ave Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
(303) 423-6522

For my alternator rebuild on my '86 last spring and they did a great job. Dropped it off on the way to work and picked it up on the way home. He replaced everything but the regulator for about $100 and it looked almost new. Great old-school shop.

Franny

Franny, I saw them online... Im glad we have a review for them now! :) I will be dropping mine off today. WOOHOO!!

Franny -- thanks !!! EXACTLY what I was hoping to find :)

d

Just dropped it off at D&D... Great guys... Old Skool and definitely know what they are doing. Turn around time is 24 hours... Thanks again Franny...

Do you guys know for a fact that they replaced the slip rings?

So i just talked to him... and he says they check too see the depth of the rings and how much tolerance is left and he will turn them or replace them... Turning them will be cheaper obviously.

new update... The rotor is completely shot and burned right in through the plastic.... Other used one will be here tomorrow and I will see if he can make on good one out of two used ones. Stay tuned...

Did this work out OK?

There are $125 rebuilt alternators available on e-bay that you may luck out on.

In that first picture is that right brush fractured or is that evidence of arcing between the brush and rotor?

Okay, So I bought a used alternator from LM3929 ($125) on the boards here. Great guy, took a bit long but it was from Canada. I took it to D&D where the other one was with my shroud etc. He inspected it; threw on the lathe to clean up the rings and tested it for me.. D&D has amazing service. I dropped off the new(used) one today at 11am and he was done by 2pm. I will be throwing it in the car tonight and keep you posted. The total bill for all his trouble was 55$... This did include me giving him the old crappy core... All in all, I am very happy and I will keep you all posted on it when its in the car.

Thanks for all the input guys!

Total moneys spent:
125 for used Alternator
80 for new Regulator and Brushes
55 for lathed rings and install - old core

$260.00 Total. More than I wanted to spend, but less than a brand new one.

Just drove it to the grocery store and around... idles at 14.0 volts... revs at 14.1 ish volts... Working like a charm.. :)

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