Alternator Woes

RFazio · #1 07-06-2009, 04:49 PM

I now have 80 hours on my 6. Yesterday I started it up and put on the Alt switch like always and there was no increase in vlotage. I pulled the cowl and after much searching around it looks like the only probelm is that the pulley is spinning on the alternator shaft. When looking at the alternator it looks like it was a rebuilt unit. The front bearing is sloppy in the housing? I probably have this unit 10 or 11 years. It has an external electronic adjustable voltage regulator. I think it's a Nippondenso unit. All the bolts and threads are metric. I would like to get a new unit but Vans does not have this type anymore. It is only 30 amps and that is fine. It has a three conductor connector on it and four studs of which I used two. I don't mind having to redo the wirring connections but Iwould like to use a similar unit. If I get one of the newer 60 amp units I have to run larger wires. And what happens to your ALT switch on an internal regulated unit. Can you shut down the ALT like I can? Does anyone know what car these older units came from. Thanks for any ideas.

bkilby · #2 07-06-2009, 04:56 PM

"The original 35a alternator that Vans sold for years is a NipponDenso as used on 1976-1979 Honda Civic CVCC without air conditioning. A common number you can find in Duralast and other reman alternators is 14184. The Beck/Arnley number is 186-0100. No problems with running the alternator "backwards" and you can leave the stock fan in place. A blast tube to the rear of the alternator is a good idea for diode cooling. A 1975 Ford regulator works great with this unit. You should be able to purchase alternator and regulator for less than 50 bucks. As long as you own the 1979 Honda you have a lifetime warranty"

I just got one for a 1979 Civic without A/C from Advance Auto Parts I think for about $65.. part # 14184.. hope this helps.

RFazio · #3 07-06-2009, 07:01 PM

Brian, I figured some one would know something about these alternators, but wow. You have all the details. I'm going to Napa tomorrow and order one up. Thanks again.

gasman · #4 07-06-2009, 07:40 PM

SENT YOU AN E-MAIL........

RFazio · #5 07-06-2009, 07:47 PM

Where did you send it? Try

rfazio1951@verizon.net

bkilby · #6 07-06-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFazio

Brian, I figured some one would know something about these alternators, but wow. You have all the details. I'm going to Napa tomorrow and order one up. Thanks again.

It was really Sam Buchanan..

I just went through this a few weeks ago, and I found an old post of his with all the details. I was sure to save it for future use. Gotta love VAF!

DennisRhodes · #7 07-06-2009, 07:57 PM

Can also ask the Advanced Auto PArts store for a alternator for a 1978 Suzuki Samuri. That gets you a 60 amp alternator thats a direct bolt on with internal regulator.

scottg · #8 07-07-2009, 06:06 AM

What the OP described appears to be a common failure mode for these alternators. Mine failed the same way at 200 hrs on the alternator and 3 hrs from home. Have you considered the 40 A B&C alternator? It costs significantly more, but you really do get what you pay for. What?s reliability worth to you?

Geico266 · #9 07-07-2009, 06:12 AM

Have you looked at Plane Power? I have one in my -10 and I have installed a couple in other planes I have sold. Very reliable, well built just for airplanes, and they have high voltage protection built in. Your choice of internal or external regulators.

http://www.plane-power.com/

Rick6a · #10 07-07-2009, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFazio

Does anyone know what car these older units came from. Thanks for any ideas.

From your choice of title, at first I thought you were resurrecting an old thread. Lots of good info here, especially from George:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...lternator+woes