Does it matter if I fit a different alternator?

[Pootle]

My 1989 wasserboxer has a Bosch 65A alternator fitted (025 903 023B). This seems to be an unusual alternator for the van and I can't find a direct replacement. Does it matter if I fit a 45A or 90A part? The van has a leisure battery but no other big current drains (no foglights).

Any suggestions? I can't find one on Brickwerks.

many thanks

[bigherb]

The replacement part is 026 903 017AX available from the usual sources.

[Pootle]

Like this one? How easy is it to swap the pulley?

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Alt ... try_GB.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bigherb]

Yep like that one.
The pulley is easy enough if you have a vice to hold the pulley whilst you undo the nut.

[markhale10]

I bought one of these just last month from my local motor factors. When it arrived, they swapped the pulley wheel for me for free. Only took 5 mins so guess it was just unbolt and bolt on old one.

[ghost123uk]

As long as the wires can be correctly attached and the brackets are roughly the same, yes any alternator can be fitted. Like a Honda / Volvo / Leyland / whatever / could be used. You just need to get it to line up and wire up correctly. Lining up can involve using washers or a nut on the mounting bolts to act as spacers. Of course, fitting the correct part is the favourite option, I am just responding to the thread title

Just to say that I changed the alternator on our van once when stuck near Leeds. The one I got was a second hand Lucas one of unknown origin. I had to swap the pulley and I had a HELL of a job getting the one off my blown alternator (no, it wasn't the brush pack by the way ). We had it in a huge vice, had to heat it up to almost glowing red and welly F out of it to get it off All done eventually and still going strong Just mentioning this to forewarn any readers that they don't always come off easily.

[Cruz]

WOOOOOAAAAHHHHHH!!!! I got a Lucas replacement for half that price.

I took my alternator to a local auto electrician because some of the bearings had disintegrated and it was making a grinding noise as well as charging erratically. He looked at it and deemed it not worth fixing so he ordered me a shiney new Lucas 65amp alternator for £70 and swapped the pulleys too

[markhale10]

I agree, mine was around £90 from local motor factors and included swapping wheel over. Ordered one day, arrived the next.

[Pootle]

The alternator the garage fitted is a Bosch 0-986-034-230, rated at 14V 65A. The pulley had to be swapped over and the shaft sticks out an inch beyond the pulley. It was about £115. Seems fine!

Maybe something for the wiki?