Alternator identification

[Westy23]

Hey guys, I've been having trouble with my aux belt shredding on my 1990 westfalia California 1.6jx. I've had the bus about 3 years now, when I got the bus it had both belts changed, then a week later the alternator belt had shredded And has been a problem ever since really.

The alternator packed up and was difficult to get the correct one for it I was able to source one like the one that came off it,new belt and was ok for 2k miles, then shredded again. The alternator looks not to be running true, it's a tiny bit out buts enough to keep shredding the belt, I think at some point someone has put a T4 90amp alternator on it, so my question is what's the correct alternator for my vehicle?, I know these were fitted with both 65a and 90a alternators. Some part numbers would be great also has anyone got pictures of the correct tension adjustment bracket?. Much thanks

[Westy23]

No takers for that one then?. I've bought another alternator from brickwerks along with a new pulley. The one from brickwerks has a shorter pulley on but with the new pulley the distance seem OK, it's probably the right one.

The alternator looks as if it's tipping forward from the adjustment end. The alternator has a M8 bolt that goes throu it on the pivot side and has a steel bush on the back of that bracket. The steel bush is about 15mm in diameter but the alternator has only a (about) 10mm bolt hole. Shouldn't the steel bush have a recess to go into to keep the alternator straight? Or does the alternator have some kind of sleeve that goes through the pivot end. When the alternator is tensioned part of the steel bush is still visible from the nut end. It looks wrong to me, I've scoured the Internet and tried to get some images and from what I can make out the bush looks flush on the nut end.

What's the difference in the adjuster types? I've seen the longer type with a bend in it from the bottom, is this for a lower ampage alternator and I'm assuming the short straight bracket approx 8mm in thickness is the 90a version?

Are the cradles that the alternator is bolted to different too or are they all the same.

[California Dreamin]

I can't tell you much only that every California I've seen definitely has had the 'Pink' labelled 90amp alternator fitted. The diesel version obviously has the extra take off for the rev counter.
The pulley fitment often needs swapping on a replacement alternator and you are absolutely correct in the assumption that alignment is the key: the pulley's must line up perfectly and be set 90 degrees to the belt, things you already know. Alternators normally have sliding spacers on their mounts that take up any space in the mounting when the mounting bolt is tightened...I don't know if this is present on yours?

Here is a general engine pick, what you need are some close-ups of the alternator, mountings and adjusting bracket.



Martin

[spanishfly]

Funny you should mention this.

I have a Westy 1987 and wanted to fit power steering. I removed the alternator today with the aim of swapping the brackets that cradle it. On both there is a pivot with a pressed bush that protrudes a few mm either side of the bracket at the top that I presume is there to keep the alternator perpendicular to the belt and a doglegged/offset sliding bolt providing tension at the bottom.
I swapped the brackets 3 bolts, which surprised me by letting water out of the block! Doesn't appear to be leaking after the operation fingers crossed. Anyway the PS version is longer which makes sense as it has to provide an anchor for the power steering pump as well. This makes the bracket wider which in turn means the kinked slider with 2cm offset doesn't line up anymore. It looks like it needs to be straight and about 8mm thick... So I'm assuming the kinked slider means I have a 65A alternator. If it were flat it would be a 90A?????
Not sure that helps? And if anyone has more knowledge and or a straight slotted bar for sale that would be great!

[multisi]

I will have a look for the alternator that came off the JX , the slider was the dog legged one .

[multisi]

The alternator that came off the JX engine im selling parts from is a 65a the part number is 068 903 031 D