Jump to content

Alternator question


Recommended Posts

Geoff,

there are several “good” makes that will fit.

Some Bosch alternators will fit.

I fitted a 55A Bosch remanufactured unit that was originally fitted to cars like a ford fiesta and focus, around 1990.

I can look up the part no if you are interested.

Waldi

Link to post
Share on other sites
2 hours ago, Geoff Brooker said:

Hi all

my alternator died this weekend - it’s a standard original Lucas - I was about to buy a like for like replacement but have read that I should buy a non standard upgraded replacement instead - I am hoping to fit myself - any advice appreciated

 

thanks 

Geoff 

Hi Geoff,

My advice is don't fit anything less than a Lucas 18 ACR type as fitted to US models. It is rated at 45 amps  and has no problem keeping your battery fully charged on low annual mileage TRs. I have used one on my car since new  for 46 years!

Bruce.

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

If its an electrical fault you don't really need to buy a new one.  New regulator blocks, diode packs and brushes/slip rings are readily available to repair the old one with quite cheaply and are easy to fit.

Also don't believe all the opinions you read. If your alternator has given good service up to now what would be the reason to swap to another type?  Unless you have added some power-hungry accessories and have been suffering from a lack of charge, Is there any reason you need one with a higher output?

Edited by RobH
grammar
Link to post
Share on other sites

A slight increase in output over the standard will be fine and not cost much if anything more. Do you need to look for alternative makes - probably not Lucas alternators are pretty reliable as are most makes.

You will then have a bit of spare capacity should you fit accessories that draw more power such as heated seats (easy to retro fit the elements in to TR seats)

Link to post
Share on other sites

My 1969 standard alternator was rebuilt to increase its output to 45 amps. The auto electrician just selected new components to give  the higher output at nil extra cost over components to suit the original charging rate.  .

I choose not to go above 45 amps because my wiring is still largely 1969 vintage.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Geoff, I have a 70amp alternator on my '6, which I bought from Minispares. these are £60. They also sell a 45amp unit, which is £43.50.

Cheers,

Paul.

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Geoff, if you're in Berkshire, I can recommend Burghfield Starter and Alternator in Burghfield Common. He's a chap in a shed who appears to know alternators inside out. If you have someone like this near you, I would suggest you take yours and get the problem diagnosed and fixed. As has been said, all the parts are available, it's just a matter of knowing which to replace. These sort of specialist places are disappearing and need our business!

After fixing mine, he showed me the diode pack which had not had the stack securing nut tightened before assembly. This was on a new 60A model from a reputable supplier. Unfortunately, the Far East manufacturer's work was slip-shod - they often are!

Cheers, Richard

Edited by Spit_2.5PI
Posted too soon.
Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Please familiarise yourself with our Terms and Conditions. By using this site, you agree to the following: Terms of Use.