Alternator Rebuilds?

[trucker]

After G S F failed on three occasions to get the right alternator (despite having the part number off the original one, their suppliers fault as the guys at G S F can't really do any more than use the right part number) and brickworks being out of stock. I've decided to get my one rebuilt as I have managed to temporarily borrow one with a non working W terminal from a mate and at least my original one will fit!
Recommendations of companies to use would be most welcome

[Jakemate]

I've always used this guy, small company but been repairing alternators and starters for years.

I always use him for repairs.

Michael Wilkinson Auto Electrical Ltd
Auto Electricians
Boardman Industrial Estate
Boardman Road
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 9DL
01283 214 493

[itchyfeet]

I've always used this guy, small company but been repairing alternators and starters for years.

I always use him for repairs.

Michael Wilkinson Auto Electrical Ltd
Auto Electricians
Boardman Industrial Estate
Boardman Road
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 9DL
01283 214 493

Rather than lots of non local people phoning him do you know if he works by mail order?

[CovKid]

Theres also a strange guy on Youtube who seems to have an Icelandic-Polish-Irish accent that shows you how to rebuild both Bosch starter motors and alternators - very knowledgable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTcMD5_EznI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - under £4 to replace brushes in regulator for instance.

I'm surprised more don't overhaul their own given the cost of new/rebuilt ones. Its not too hard as long as you have a vice and work methodically. Its nearly always brushes and bearings and neither of those are too difficult to change and are readily available.

Its well worth picking up a secondhand alternator or starter and rebuilding them so you have a known good one to swap out if yours goes wrong - at a fraction of the cost of a new one and around half the cost of a commercially rebuilt one. Staggers me that some places charge nearly £200 for new ones....

I think Ghost will back me on this one.

Note: Years ago the wiper motor on my 72 bug packed up and the local VW outlet (this was in the 1980s) wanted nearly £90 for a new motor. So you know what? I whipped the brush pack out, went to my nearest lawnmower shop and found a set of almost identical brushes for 50p!!!

[trucker]

Theres also a strange guy on Youtube who seems to have an Icelandic-Polish-Irish accent that shows you how to rebuild both Bosch starter motors and alternators - very knowledgable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTcMD5_EznI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - a fiver to replace brushes in regulator for instance.

I'm surprised more don't overhaul their own given the cost of new ones. Its not too hard as long as you have a vice and work methodically. Its nearly always brushes and bearings and neither of those are too difficult to change and are readily available.

Its well worth picking up a secondhand alternator or starter and rebuilding them so you have a known good one to swap out if yours goes wrong - at a fraction of the cost of a new one and around half the cost of a commercially rebuilt one. Staggers me that some places charge nearly £200 for new ones....

I think Ghost will back me on this one.

First thing I did was change the bushes/regulator for the cost it was a bit of a no brainer tbh, it was one of those things I didn't think would work though as there is no output at the W terminal either (rev counter stopped at the same time) but having a spare if it didn't work doesn't hurt. The bearings seem ok as the alternator turns nice and smooth and freely.

[Wychall]

This is the guy I have used for the last 40 years.............

http://www.vehicleelectricsshop.co.uk

Acocks Green, Birmingham

[trucker]

In the end I took my original alternator to these chaps http://www.londonessexautoelectrics.co.uk/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; nice guys, great service done the same day and came back like brand new. I fitted it that evening and a nice nice healthy 14v now

[itchyfeet]

How much if you don't mind me askin?

[trucker]

£90 including vat

[kevtherev]

kin ell,
London weighting?

[trucker]

Is that expensive Kev?
It was cheaper than an exchange from GSF, Heritage, Just Kampers, BW(outright sale) and almost anywhere else I looked for a 90amp diesel one.
I did the same with a turbo looked everywhere, paid £380 then found somewhere that did it for £250

[Jakemate]

The guy I use does repair only with a warranty, works out a lot cheaper.

[CovKid]

I'm inclined to think that the price of alternators is wholly out of proportion to the sum of the parts involved that may or may not need replacing. Its rare the coils themselves break down. Everything else is relatively cheap once you identify the correct components. Some places will supply a repair kit now too.

I know someone has to physically do the work, fair enough, but £380???

[kevtherev]

agree with that.
Usually bearings brushes connections and the diode plate.
to my mind thats all you can refurbish as rewinding the motor is just not worth it.

[Ian and Lins]

I suppose it depends on what goes pop. The alternator stator on my 'bike has burnt out (common Eytie electrics problem) and it's costing me £125 to have it rewound. Which is a bloomin' sight cheaper than buying an OEM.