Which replacement alternator for '85 TE

[thebartman]

So the alternator has failed, and killed the battery. 

Couple of questions 

1. Are these re-buildable?

2. Are there any direct replacements other than a £200+ vat from usual suspects?

I've seen many threads here, but cannot see any part numbers for a 910 engine g-car (wet sump, A/C model)

Thanks

[Escape]

I always get my alternators (and starter motors) rebuilt by a local specialist. He charges around €100, including sand blasting and painting the case, fitting new bearings etc. I'd never buy new.

[CarBuff]

 

7 minutes ago, Escape said:

I always get my alternators (and starter motors) rebuilt by a local specialist.

Me too...

 

That said, many Esprit owners fit the Bosch AL49X which provides MUCH better amperage below 1500 RPMs.  This prolongs the life of the voltage regulator and the battery.

 

These are available as factory rebuilt parts, thus they are reliable.

 

They DO require some fettling during fitment, detailed below.

https://www.lotustalk.com/threads/esprit-s4-bosch-al49x-alternator-replacement-procedures.438897/post-5675721

 

[Chillidoggy]

I think the AL49X was a BMW and Mini OEM fitment. I don’t have a cross reference, though.

[CarBuff]

4 minutes ago, Chillidoggy said:

I think the AL49X was a BMW and Mini OEM fitment. I don’t have a cross reference, though.

Yes it was...late 80s.

 

(For those typical ???s you get at an auto parts store "What car is that from?")

[Sparky]

Rebuild, rebuil, rebuild.  It won't be a lot cheaper than a replacement though.  I have a couple of preferred rebuilders, but none I know of near you.

[thebartman]

Thanks for the feedback - I think we know the culprit now.

Only took me 2 hours to remove it 🙂 

along with whole plenum, throttle cable, turbo feed, and vacuum feed only "lost" one bit too 🤣

I'll look for a rebuilder - as that seems favourite way to go 👍

Thanks all

[Chillidoggy]

Just found this in my cross ref notes - replacement from BMW: E30 (MY '86-'91), E24 (MY '86-on), E23 (MY '96-'97), E28 (MY''86-'88) (not M series cars).

[Sparky]

5K seems a little expensive.

[Chillidoggy]

10 minutes ago, Sparky said:

5K seems a little expensive.

No probs, I heard Julian's minted.

[snowrx]

I replaced mine with an AL49X (~$100USD rebuilt), seems to do a good job and Bosch parts are easier to find for me when it does need a fix.

[Sparky]

13 minutes ago, Chillidoggy said:

No probs, I heard Julian's minted.

Contractor, nuff said.

[thebartman]

41 minutes ago, Sparky said:

5K seems a little expensive.

You're 'avin' a giraffe ... 😂

Sub £100 is target price 😉

[Sparky]

About half an hour's pay then.

[TAR]

Not sure how far you are from Aylesbury, but I can highly recommend Rees & Allen, 20 Park St Industrial Estate, Osier Way, Aylesbury, HP20 1EB

A proper old school auto electrical engineer.

Last time I visited, he had an Aston Martin Lagonda in for a complete electrical overhaul... I've never seen so many wires in a car before!

He can test and rebuild alternators.

 

[thebartman]

1 hour ago, TAR said:

Not sure how far you are from Aylesbury, but I can highly recommend Rees & Allen, 20 Park St Industrial Estate, Osier Way, Aylesbury, HP20 1EB

A proper old school auto electrical engineer.

Last time I visited, he had an Aston Martin Lagonda in for a complete electrical overhaul... I've never seen so many wires in a car before!

He can test and rebuild alternators.

 

Thanks @TAR - just what I like - local/old-skool and would be happy to support this endeavour what a fab forum this is.

[thebartman]

21 hours ago, Chillidoggy said:

No probs, I heard Julian's minted.

Now the phrase is "Skinted"

[peteyg]

@thebartmanHighly recommend this guy if he's not too far from you:  https://www.burghfieldstarterandalternatorcentre.co.uk/

He rebuilt my starter motor on the S2 and my series land rover. Did a fantastic job!

Pete

[thebartman]

Thx, got mine back today- but can’t fit it as the car cover would be a parachute in this breeze . Here’s the failed voltage regulator. After 40+ years in the trade, he’s never seen it this bad!

Oooohhhhhh, I’m so special 🤣

[Chillidoggy]

Looks like the wife's cooking.

[thebartman]

3 hours ago, Chillidoggy said:

Looks like the wife's cooking.

Who's ?

[Chillidoggy]

52 minutes ago, thebartman said:

Who's ?

Mine.

[thebartman]

Rebuilt alternator replaced, but the belt does seem a little slack - but the unit is in exactly the same place prior to its removal. there appears to be no way to get this belt tighter - I can not see any reference in the service notes - so which of you experienced magicians know how resolve ? I would think that as long as I get 14ish VDC across the battery terminals when running, then it's all OK?

Cheers,

[TAR]

Voltage should ideally be between 13.8 and 14.2V. You should have 1/2" movement in the belt. I assume you can't tighten the belt as you've reached the end of the adjustment? I bet the belt has stretched and need renewing?

 

[CarBuff]

You couldn't have dropped any of the spacer washers on the alternator support? #3 in the parts image.

 

Stretched belt is a possibility...you might need a 'Special Lotus Tool' for pulling the alternator taunt.