V8 Alternator popped

[kmaier]

I guess it was bound to happen... now after almost 60K miles, the alternator popped in my 2000 V8. I yanked it out this morning and removed the rear cover. Problem is quite obvious, the brushes that contact the slip rings are worn, but the lower one is badly worn and the slip ring itself is ground deeply... the top is better but also on it's way. It amazes me that Delco can build such a crap part as the tolerances of the brush assembly are so poor that the brushes have substantial float which allows them to oscillate badly and results in accelerated wear and severe damage to the slip rings.

Don't recall if anyone was able to source a replacement in the US but it would be nice as Lotus charges a mere $600 for new and $350 for rebuilt.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[hedgerley]

Just had mine done (V8-GT) this week - at 30k miles. I am advised its the same unit as that in my Vauxhall (GM to you US guys) Omega V6, so I assume its a Delco. Thats done over 95K miles with no electrical trouble whatsover. Maybe its the position of the unit on the Esprit?

FYI, had mine done at a Lotus dealer. Replacement cost £188, not Lotus as the warranty company wouldn't pay their price. Including labour and VAT, £402. And it got a full valet, wash and polish which I wasn't expecting. Not bad for a main dealer I thought.

[feffman]

Kevin:

If the optional GM part in The UK is from the V6 Omega, try the Cadillac ddealer for the Cadillac Catera. Probably not much cheaper then Lotus.

Feff

[kmaier]

Hi Feff,

Thanks for the info... if it's really a match on size/fit, I've found them at ~$200 at local places which are either Delco-Remy or Bosch and rated at 120 amps (a 20 amp uprating). The pics look a bit different but I might try and locate one at the local parts place tomorrow. Lotus sourced parts are $350 for rebuilt and $570 for new.... ouch.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[ErnestM]

Kevin...

Wasn't there somebody a few months ago on the V8 Yahoo list that you set up that had run across an aftermarket/better alternator? What ever became of theat?

ErnestM

[kmaier]

Ernest... yes... looked at that and it seems a similar unit to Isuzu Impulse. It was the info that LEW had from Bob Metcalf who works for Excel Automotive in PA. His 1998 V8 popped an alternator also so they rebuilt it there and improved it a bit. I've since swapped email with Chris Goss at Excel and rebuilding usually runs around $150 and should be able to run about 120 amps output. So I'm going to send mine in for the rebuild. I'm also buying a new one and will keep an uprated rebuild around as I seem to be servicing 4 others cars at this point and it's only a matter of time.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[Autocross7]

Strange as it is to have such a great guy in my home town... but there is a shop run by a guy that has worked on everything that can rebuild the thing. Price of course is determined by damaged, but I got mine (off my 88' turbo) re-built in three days for $115.00. A bargan compared to replacing. He is not hooked into the computer world as far as i know (this guy is old school for real)...

Auto Electrical Garage
phone number there is (United States) 205-473-2753

He has been there for years and has serviced Healy, Ferrari, Lotus, Porsch...etc... and knows cars and engines by the electrical bits. Not sure if he and his wife (runs the front) deal with shipping etc as there seems to be enough work for him in the region. However, if you are interested, I'd be happy to take it down etc... if you don't mind shipping to me out of the blue...


Drive topless!!!
Cameron