ac delco alt

[lynnboy021]

i have a 3 wire alt that is not doing to well so my ? is can i rebuild the alt and make it just a one wire alt?

 

[Boatist]

Re: ac delco alt

Quick answer is no.
I think the 3 wire alternator is better anyway.
However you can repair your 3 wire alternator.
If you do the work your self usuall pretty cheap to repair.
I have not done it for about 12 years but back then the voltage regulator was abot $10 the diode triode was less than $10.
If you need the rectifier block it was pretty high about $40 depending on amperage. Brushes cheap $4 and bearings about $10.
The first step of course is to determin the cause. Older 3 wire alternators had an external voltage regulator.
You can buy the parts form a alternator repair shop.
If you should need case parts they must be marine so they have all the screens.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: ac delco alt

i have a 3 wire alt that is not doing to well

Not doing so well, as in; howling, not putting out current/voltage, etc.???

I've rebuilt them before and you can get complete rebuild kits with the most common failure items, bearings, electronics, brushes The kits were about $30 last time I got one, though that was probably 10 years ago.

If it's just howling, see if replacing the front bearing solves the problem, the beaing is about $5-10 at your local auto parts or bearing supply store. Regrease the rear needle bearing while you have it apart.

FWIW, you can get a new knock-off (Chinese) Delco marine alt from DBelectrical for $60-70. I have one of the 100 amp alt's and it's been working fine.