[Blackhawk]

All, new RV6A owner. It’s a 94 and Has a 0-320 and constant speed prop. Awesome flying aircraft! My alternator failed and I am trying to identify it as the label is worn off. Pics below. I need to find a replacement. Also, not sure if it’s internal regulated or not. Don’t see an VR anywhere. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[jbDC9]

In looking at those pics I’d say it’s an internally regulated automotive type. But which type, who knows? I’d first take it to a local alternator/starter shop and let them have a go at rebuilding it.

Failing that, head over to RockAuto.com or your local AutoZone and pick up an alternator for a 1987 Suzuki Samurai. Part numbers 14684, 14824, 14870 should fit. The AutoZone Duralast I’ve been using for many years is pn 14824.

If you source one of these new alternators you may new a new connector plug like this;

Alternator Wire Repair Pigtail Harness 3 wire & O ring seal (IG, L) - 9801282

Length: 4.331in / 110mm <br> Number of Wires: 3<br> Notes: 11052005 (3) 6.3mm Blade Receptacles in Plug, O-Ring Seal<br> For Alternator #'s : 13213, 13213, 13214, 13255, 13265, 13265, 13316, 13336, 13391, 13414, 13415, 13416, 13423, 13424, 13521, 13522, 13524, 13569, 13690, 13705...

www.maniacelectricmotors.com

 

[Blackhawk]

In looking at those pics I’d say it’s an internally regulated automotive type. But which type, who knows? I’d first take it to a local alternator/starter shop and let them have a go at rebuilding it.

Failing that, head over to RockAuto.com or your local AutoZone and pick up an alternator for a 1987 Suzuki Samurai. Part numbers 14684, 14824, 14870 should fit. The AutoZone Duralast I’ve been using for many years is pn 14824.

If you source one of these new alternators new may new a new connector plug like this;

Alternator Wire Repair Pigtail Harness 3 wire & O ring seal (IG, L) - 9801282

Length: 4.331in / 110mm <br> Number of Wires: 3<br> Notes: 11052005 (3) 6.3mm Blade Receptacles in Plug, O-Ring Seal<br> For Alternator #'s : 13213, 13213, 13214, 13255, 13265, 13265, 13316, 13336, 13391, 13414, 13415, 13416, 13423, 13424, 13521, 13522, 13524, 13569, 13690, 13705...

www.maniacelectricmotors.com

Thank you! Great info! I found one that looks almost identical but it doesn’t say if it’s internal regulated or not.

 

[Walt]

B&C has a new internally regulated alternator available, hopefully it’s as good as there renowned externally regulated units.

 

[JonJay]

Auto alternators were never intended to be controllled, on/off. Keeping your alternator field switch on before start, and off only after shut down may extend the life of an auto alternator.
There are various theories, but I went though two alternators early on before changing procedures and haven’t had an issue since.

 

[jask]

An internal regulated altenator has only one wire. Yours has a connector with two.

 

[JonJay]

An internal regulated altenator has only one wire. Yours has a connector with two.

One is a field wire and the other a sense wire. They are typically jumped together unless you want an alternator idiot light. It appears they are jumped into a connector, hard to see, on bottom of the alternator.
Also, you can see the cooling fins of the internal regulator block in one of the pictures.