Alternator gone South

kennyrodgers · January 11, 2017, 04:23 PM

Hi all and a belated "All the best for 2017" from across the pond.
The alternator has bit the dust on my 94 Southwind. Prices for a replacement in the UK are frankly laughable they also list them as being 5 grove on the pulley and mine is 6 so I need to source from The U.S. (The U.S listed ones say 6 ) I'm looking at a Remy 91343 specifically thinking that might be the right one....However......
I've had a look on Rock Auto and from the pictures it seems as though there are either three or four contacts in the plug socket. From memory I'm pretty certain that mine has only one single wire .....well apart from the thicker cable going to the battery....so that would be two in total.
Any thoughts guys and thanks in advance.

CapnDirk · January 11, 2017, 05:24 PM

Your year seems to be on the border. These guys know their alternators. Don't even worry about the pulley, its easily changed over. The case on yours should be stamped with the amp size along the surface where the pivot bolt goes through. I'm seeing rebuilt units on this side of the pond for about $50 (USD) and up.

Find out the amp rating on yours and confirm the number of wires aside from the big one. I would bet a 105 amp or better.

http://www.americanautowire.com/view-faq/how-to-identify-your-gm-internally-regulated-alternator/

DaveVA78Chieftain · January 11, 2017, 07:34 PM

This information is for a 94 chassis. Many times Winnebago places this years RV (e.g. 1994) on last years chassis (e.g. 1993) so make sure of your chassis year (Chassis VIN 10th digit)

Original GM P/N was 10463419. Options

My 1992 electrical drawings indicate that while only the "F" lead is used on this alternator to excite it, it attaches to the alternator via a 4 wire plug.

GM Parts page

Additional Info

kennyrodgers · January 12, 2017, 05:15 AM

Many thanks guys.
CapnDirk,
That's a great link and very much appreciated. From that I can deduce I have a Type CS130 and from the looks of the plug, a single wire but 4 contacts. Perfect !!
I'll be diggin' the thing out today......"I might be gone a while"

Thanks again.

CapnDirk · January 12, 2017, 11:11 AM

As you saw, they generally changed little, and rebuilds often came without the pulley. Alternator, pretty generic except for amps (that's why they stamped them, you can't tell from the outside unless there is a tag/label with part number generally speaking). What changed was the pulley for the desired application, again generally speaking.

Would't surprise me if you could take the old one in to a parts store for a match up, or a wreaking yard. Did yours fail electrically, or bearings?

kennyrodgers · January 12, 2017, 12:05 PM

Hi Buddy.
I got the sucker out this morning and the local specialist is confident he can rebuild it, they're letting me know for sure tomorrow.
It's been a bit of a weird one.....
This old girl was sat for almost eight years and prior to me going through most of it front to back the belt used to squeal like crazy. Fast forward to all new Gates belts and many a motor problem, now sorted thanks to this forum, there was a high pitched whine that I swore was a vacuum leak. I started her up the other day and noticed the volt meter was low but then also noticed that the whine had gone. I let her idle for a 10 minutes or so and the alternator would come in and out and along with it the whine. 2+2 this time made 4.
I took her out for a run yesterday and on the way back she stopped charging. Got her home fine, started her up this morning and she's charging fine with no noise for about 2 minutes then it came back. She was reading 14.2volts at the battery.
I think I'll get a new one from Rock Auto and if the old one gets rebuilt that'll do for a spare.
By way of a PS, my existing alternator (now that I've got it out ) has 4 contacts in the plug but only one wire. Can anyone enlighten me as to why there are 4 contacts ??
Thanks again guys, you're help is always very much appreciated.

CapnDirk · January 12, 2017, 12:22 PM

Likely the diode pack cutting in and out. Parts for a rebuild are numerous and cheep due to that. Turn the armature, replace the bearings, new diode pack, yada.

I THINK the other wire(s) were for charge meter/idiot light? Others would know better. Again, that goes along with the fact that the alternators were generic one size fits all type of things.

kennyrodgers · January 20, 2017, 05:05 AM

Hi Folks,
Just to update.....
I had the alternator repaired, it needed a new diode pack. All done and dusted, nice and quiet and charging well. The other good news is that they can source a new Delco item for next day delivery for Â£120. That's Â£8 cheaper than what I can get one for from Rock Auto and Â£40 cheaper than any of the UK RV suppliers.
Happy Days and thanks for the help guys.
Pete.

CapnDirk · January 20, 2017, 10:09 AM

Good news. Can I ask what the end cost was on the repair? Did they give you a part number for the diode pack with your invoice?

Might not hurt to get a diode pack for a spare. If you were handy enough with your tools to get it off, you could probably do it yourself next time.

kennyrodgers · January 21, 2017, 06:52 PM

Hi,
They charged me Â£70 for the repair as a "cash" job. With a receipt they wanted an extra 20% VAT or sales tax....I chose the former.
I didn't get any details on the part number they used I'm afraid although as you say, it would probably have been a good idea.
I could always call them I suppose.....

CapnDirk · January 23, 2017, 01:41 PM

I don't think it would be that hard to find out, maybe on the diode pack inside.

Decent price on the repair.