P38A poorly alternator

kermit_rr · Nov 30, 2020

As some of you may know, my alternator stopped charging, something went pop while it was switched off, or immediately on startup.
I have no clue of the history so i assume it's 20+ years old. Because the dash light goes off, the alternator is obviously still generating electricity, so I'm thinking a the rectifier is shot, though i haven't tested anything yet.
Given the likely age, I'm thinking i should replace the regulator and rectifier on the basis that are both old with dubious life expectancy, save having to replace the other bit in the future.
Does that sound sense? Is there anything i should be checking/testing before i bite the bullet?

oakey · Nov 30, 2020

Why not replace the alternator?

tomcat59alan · Nov 30, 2020

oakey said:
Why not replace the alternator?

Best thing,the rest will still be 20+yrs old.

kermit_rr · Nov 30, 2020

Good point, but why replace when it's not broke? The windings and body don't wear out

tomcat59alan · Nov 30, 2020

kermit_rr said:
Good point, but why replace when it's not broke? The windings and body don't wear out

Bearings.

kermit_rr · Nov 30, 2020

In that case then, genuine Bosch or one of the many alternatives? I've no experience

tomcat59alan · Nov 30, 2020

kermit_rr said:
In that case then, genuine Bosch or one of the many alternatives? I've no experience

Depends on your finances.

oakey · Nov 30, 2020

Mine looked perfect and worked fine until it didnt and left me stuck.
\Turned out there was a hairline crack in the casing which suddenly got bigger

kermit_rr · Nov 30, 2020

Seen this...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROV...ETROL-BRAND-NEW-150A-ALTERNATOR-/282514469135

kermit_rr · Nov 30, 2020

It doesn't seem a bad price, almost too good to be true compared to a new Bosch on island..
Wotcha fink?

Henry_b · Nov 30, 2020

I replaced mine with a Bosch unit, quite an inconvenience if it ****s the bed and you're in the middle of nowhere

kermit_rr · Nov 30, 2020

Henry_b said:
I replaced mine with a Bosch unit, quite an inconvenience if it ****s the bed and you're in the middle of nowhere

What did you pay?

Henry_b · Nov 30, 2020

kermit_rr said:
What did you pay?

£150 IIRC

kermit_rr · Nov 30, 2020

Henry_b said:
£150 IIRC

That seems a very good price, assume that's part ex?

Henry_b · Nov 30, 2020

kermit_rr said:
That seems a very good price, assume that's part ex?

Yep

DanClarke · Nov 30, 2020

I've had 2 Bosch 150A Alternators fail on my Rangies.
Both just "died" with the brushes left poking into deep troughs and no sign of any slip-rings.
No idea what caused the failures. 1st one was at 90k+ the second was the brand-new replacement just 15 months later. Go figure. The Indie replaced it FOC because I argued it was 15 months but < 12,000 miles.

kermit_rr · Nov 30, 2020

The only genuine one i can find is with Island but that's and out right purchase, i can't see anyone else selling them!
I've read a lot of bad reviews about non genuine but then i guess you only hear the bad bits
I don't know what to do! I need to do something though

oakey · Nov 30, 2020

Get the biggest one you can

kermit_rr · Nov 30, 2020

oakey said:
Get the biggest one you can

150A for Thor

tomcat59alan · Nov 30, 2020

kermit_rr said:
150A for Thor

If it has a good guarantee go for it.

P38A poorly alternator

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