Geoff Brooker Posted May 13, 2019 Report Share Posted May 13, 2019 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waldi Posted May 13, 2019 Report Share Posted May 13, 2019 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
astontr6 Posted May 13, 2019 Report Share Posted May 13, 2019 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobH Posted May 13, 2019 Report Share Posted May 13, 2019 (edited) 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 May 13, 2019 by RobH grammar Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Moltu Posted May 13, 2019 Report Share Posted May 13, 2019 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) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike C Posted May 13, 2019 Report Share Posted May 13, 2019 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR Paul Posted May 13, 2019 Report Share Posted May 13, 2019 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spit_2.5PI Posted May 13, 2019 Report Share Posted May 13, 2019 (edited) 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 May 13, 2019 by Spit_2.5PI Posted too soon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ed_h Posted May 13, 2019 Report Share Posted May 13, 2019 I just bought a direct replacement for my original 45 amp 18 ACR. The new one is rated at 60 amps. Ed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Geoff Brooker Posted May 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2019 Thanks guys , much appreciate all the advice Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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