alternator conversion & diff replacement

[mints53]

Hi All

 

I have recently arrived home after a couple of thousand mile trip in my 4a. All went well but a couple of improvements were revealed as desirable.

 

The dynamo output is only marginal. It struggled when I was stuck in traffic in the rain at night and then the kenlow cut in. I would like to convert to an alternator; any tips and words of advice in doing this?

 

I suffer with a whining diff which on short trips with the top down is not a problem. It becomes somewhat tiring after a couple of hrs cruising at 70mph. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to go to get it rebuilt or replaced with an exchange unit. I am based in the UK (Bucks)

 

Thanks

 

Andy

 

[RobH]

Andy- if you do a search you will find loads of info on alternators on the forum. There was a discussion only a couple of months back. The main theme which always ensues is whether to stick with the wide fanbelt or to change to a narrow one. Your choice- either will work.

 

http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/62977-alternator-fail/

http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/42443-ammeters-and-alternator-upgrades/

http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/40296-dynamo-alternator/

http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/50320-dynamator-alternator-conversion/

Edited September 29, 2017 by RobH

[james christie]

Don't wish to be nasty, but if you joined the TR Register, amongst many benefits, you would gain access to articles on line explaining how to solve your immediate problem - and many more !

 

James

[stillp]

you would gain access to articles on line explaining how to solve your immediate problem - and many more !

 

 

Including some that you didn't know you had...

 

Pete

[badhuis]

I had the same issue - dynamo not up for it for the elec fan in combination with lights on.

Because I was not happy with the old (front mounted) electric fan I opted to go for a Revotec fan which is mounted at the rear of the radiator (using their brackets) and made it possible to remove the mechanical fan. I had a NOS Lucas alternator and bought small pullies for the water pump and crankshaft. Very happy with the result.

[Lebro]

+1 same setup.

 

Bob.

[brenda]

Hi mints53 looks like he is a member, we had to change to a alternate and narrow belt as we do a lot of night driving so helped to keep the battery charged up for the following morning start up.

 

Mike

Redrose group

[Malbaby]

I did an alternator/water pump/harmonic balancer conversion similar to this.

www.tr-register.com.au/Files/technical/narrowbelt.htm

[Horse]

You asked where to go to get your diff overhauled. I can recommend without reservation Hardy Engineering Transmissions Ltd, 262 Kingston Road, Leatherhead, KT22 7QA, telephone 01372 378927, email: enquiry@hardyengineering.co.uk. I had mine stripped, new bearings, seals and shims fitted for £480 at the beginning of August. Since then I have done about 1000 miles, including 600 in northern Spain and it made not a sound. You can either take the diff in or the whole car and they will remove and refit the diff. I took my diff in and the turnround was one week.

 

One word of warning - if you decide to change the mounting insulators, do not buy rubber ones from Rimmers, as they are too soft. When the car is 2 up, loaded with luggage and full of fuel, they can allow the diff to move so that the prop shaft U/J touches the transmission tunnel if driven vigourously. I am about to go elsewhere to get replacements.

 

Geoff