Date:         Sat, 22 Feb 2003 12:35:52 -0800
Reply-To:     Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: rats... my alternator is junk.
Comments: To: laurasdog@WEIRDSTUFFWEMAKE.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

The Turbobricks (Volvo) website has a how-to on fitting an external Ford
regulator to the Bosch alternator.
http://turbobricks.saliv8.com/mods/alternator_ext-reg.htm

Obviously Vanagonites are not the only folks who struggle with the Bosch
internal regulators.

Todd
'88 Westy

Steve Delanty wrote:

> Well, I got my headlight relays and wiring finished last night.
> What a difference!
>  It was fairly easy once I had a game plan.
> (thanks for all the great suggestions from you folks!)
> I did end up drilling a hole up front to route wiring through.
> It just made for a cleaner, shorter wiring install than going
> all the way to the drives side and back.
>
> Anyway, while I was at it I noticed that my charging voltage
> is only about 13.1 volts. That's no good...
> I pulled the alt off so I could inspect brushes and the like, and
> found that the rear bearing is toast. Really sloppy.
> Also the slip rings are worn way down. So, I guess it's
> time for a fresh one. The FLAPS wants $140 for a rebuild. Ouch!
>
> It has occurred to me that maybe the smart thing to do is to
> replace the Bosch alt with something else...
> With a little bracket modification, I think a Ford style alternator
> could be made to fit. This would have the advantages of being
> cheaper and also using an external regulator. (I *hate* internal regs)
> With the external regulator I can connect the voltage sense lead
> to the battery, rather than sensing it alll the way back in the
> engine compartment, and get way better regulation and also be
> able to use a battery isolator to charge dual batteries. (house battery)
>
> Has anyone else here ditched their Bosch alternator for something else?
> Has anyone ever gutted the voltage regulator out of the Bosch and
> used an external regulator with it?
>
> Just curious...
>
> Steve
>