Alternator brush pack / regulator types & part numbers

[ghost123uk]

I decided that the 13.6 volts I am getting from my alternator is a bit on the low side. These days with modern batteries etc, 14+ volts seems more the norm.

So, looking around I find that Brickwerks don't list them, Ebay have THESE ONES at £12.50 and free P&P, but VW Heritage list a slightly different part number HERE but at £22.50 plus P&P

ebay part number = 068903803DX
VW Heritage part number = 068903803AB

Despite "Googling around" for over 30 minutes I am still confused as to the difference (if any)

Question, do "we" think the ebay one is correct for my DG powered van with standard alternator ?


.

[Ralf85]

Gunzl have two different ones for different alternator outputs. As their freight charges are quite high I tend to buy a number of bits that I need in one go to make the transportation costs worthwhile.

[ghost123uk]

I wonder why Brickwerks don't list them, they are a common enough part to need replacing

Gunzl have two different ones for different alternator outputs.

Umm, and they both have the same part number, "068903803D" with the high power one having a "90" at the end. That number is slightly different to both of the ones I quoted above

[ghost123uk]

A site in the USA HERE indicates they are pretty much interchangeable but whilst browsing around I notice there is a there is a HUGE variation in pricing from around £12.50 to over £80

[bigherb]

Most of the modern manufactured regulators are set at 14.2V now and superseded the lower voltage ones. There are two types for the different output alternators the difference is the brush box length. I normally use Lucas UCB400 which are 14.4V and fit most the normal output alternators.

[colinthefox]

Try these links...........more info than you'll ever need!

Your local starter/ alternator repair shop will be able to obtain these. Albaston Starters and Alternators get them for me. Don't know if they do mail order. 01579 382391

http://www.hc-cargo.com/Admin/Public/DW ... 1_2012.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.hc-cargo.com/Admin/Public/DW ... 1_2012.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Hacksawbob]

Pretty sure I got my last set from euro car parts.

[Aidan]

VW only list one for all the bosch built alternators regardless of ampage
068903803DX at £41 plus vat exchange which is the X part, without the X would be outright sale

[ghost123uk]

I notice there is a there is a HUGE variation in pricing from around £12.50 to over £80

I wonder if the £12.50 ones are "lacking in quality" compared to the £20, £40 or even £90 ones ?

[ghost123uk]

Thanks for the links Colin = lots of useful data in there !

Pretty sure I got my last set from euro car parts.

OK, I ordered THIS (14 volt) one (with free delivery) from Euro Car Parts on-line =

Topran Voltage Regulator
Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 1989
Part No.: 414770050
Qty: 1 | Amount: £20.34 incl delivery

Figured Euro Car parts quality is good (always has been for me in the past) and for the extra £8 worth it for peace of mind

Cheers for the "heads up" Bob

[1664]

I need to replace mine AGAIN

This will be the third time in seven years - surely they're supposed to last longer than that? Can an 'iffy' alternator chew them up somehow?

My voltage gauge shows the alternator voltage jumping up and down between 13.8v and 17.8v as I'm driving along and it looks like I'm flashing everybody when my headlights are on; even kicks the oil light on occasionally for that extra special brown trouser moment too

According to Europarts my 2.1 has a 90 amp alternator - I thought it was 60 Can anybody clarify?

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volks ... 86d&000406" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Ralf85]

I need to replace mine AGAIN

This will be the third time in seven years - surely they're supposed to last longer than that? Can an 'iffy' alternator chew them up somehow?

My voltage gauge shows the alternator voltage jumping up and down between 13.8v and 17.8v as I'm driving along and it looks like I'm flashing everybody when my headlights are on; even kicks the oil light on occasionally for that extra special brown trouser moment too

According to Europarts my 2.1 has a 90 amp alternator - I thought it was 60 Can anybody clarify?

That's awful. I have the same one that was there when I bought my van nearly six years ago. It should say the amperage on the alternator - mine does but it is a bosch. In the absence of Brickwerks supplying them I got mine from Gunzl - see my message above Bren. I trust Brickwerks and Gunzl above the rest. Good luck mate.

[colinthefox]

I need to replace mine AGAIN

Can an 'iffy' alternator chew them up somehow?

If the brushes are left till they are totally worn out, this can burn the slip rings till they are pitted, and this rough surface can wear out replacement brushes quite quickly.

Worth checking the slip rings perhaps?

If the brushes still have plenty of length, another check would be to make sure that spring contacts inside the alternator are OK and not bent or corroded.

I don't mean to be rude, and I know it sounds obvious, but lots of these regulators look similar. You have fitted the correct part (for the alternator part number) previously? Many vehicles have been fitted with different alternators from the originals, so ordering the right part for the vehicle might get the wrong part for the alternator.

[1664]

Cheers guys, like you Patrick I'm loathe to use Gunzl just for one little item because of the postage.
I bought the replacements from here as they're not far from me

http://www.sacweb.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

they have a reasonably good reputation. The 1st brush pack is in my hand right now, the printing has faded in places but I think it's manufactured by 'Cargo' and it has the numbers 1306762, ??-81 93mHZ and ??22652 on it.

The carbon brushes are hardly worn on this one but I can't remember how long they were on the original part. They're very smooth, not pitted or rough or anything.

[California Dreamin]

Obviously if you source original manufactured replacement from Bosch or Beru......

TBH I think most of these are being made in China and rebadged...dificult to say..
Another option: £14.33 delivered....

http://www.thetoolboxshop.com/0-812-00- ... 4381-p.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Note* 32mm slip ring size.
Martin