14.5v alternator voltage regulator

[Oldiebut goodie]

I have just replaced the regulator (marked 14v) in my new alternator (Bosch) for this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-BOSCH-1197 ... 43be0573e8 which is a 14.5v one - immediate increase in voltage from the 13.8v that I was getting out of it up to 14.3v, far better for charging now.

[RobH]

What new alternator did you fit, mine appears to only be kicking out around 13.3v so think it may be getting time for a new one.

[Oldiebut goodie]

A different one to yours I should think - my engine is a 1.9 diesel.
Have you replaced the brush pack with a 14.5v one?

[RobH]

Nope, not done that is it easy enough job? Or better to pay someone to do it properly?

[Oldiebut goodie]

Two screws on the back of the alternator - look at the link above for what you are replacing.

[RobH]

Got the old one off OK, can't with any amount of wiggling get the new one in, any hints/tips?
Seems the new much longer brushes are unable to fit in.

[ghost123uk]

They can be fiddly to get in, perseverance, patience and don't force it, it will go in (assuming you have bough the correct one).

Might be easier with the alternator off, though I don't normally do that. Don't forget to disconnect the battery

[RobH]

Battery was out at the time, swapped from a little one to a bigger one, wanted feeble output from alternator to help keep the new one in better condition.

Looks the same in terms of size and shape and everyhing except the obviously much longer bushes, has correct part number printed on it.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Make sure that you have the brushes angled to the centre of the alternator so that the top one goes under the bearing, there is a sweet spot where you can compress the brushes so that the brush holder will just slip in the hole. When you have done it you will wonder why you had trouble!

[RobH]

Cheers guys, tried again today and it popped straight in. Shame plug in voltmeter is only showing 13-13.4 volts, at least it's about 0.3v higher than before.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Where is that reading taken from?

[RobH]

That's from the dash cigar socket, which was reading a little below reading at battery when RAC checked it previously. I've broken multimeter so no idea on alt. output.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Better to check the alternator then at other points towards fuse box etc then you can see where the voltage is dropping.

[Cruz]

My lucas alternator has a odd shaped regulator (UCB500)