new or recon alternator for RRC?

[CSK]

Hi,

I have a 1990 3.9L auto Vogue NZ new. I am in need of a new alternator. Currently has a Bosch, but the batteries keep draining when headlights and air-con are on. AA did a multimeter test and said that the A/C is quite a drain? Is it best to get a new one or get the current one reconditioned?

The current one is 55 amps. Should I stay with the same size or get a bigger one?


Cheers.

[disco2hse]

What makes you think the alternator needs to be replaced?

Alan

[CSK]

Hi Alan.

The guy from the AA said it was the alternator, he did some tests with his multimeter. I will try to take it to an auto-electrician but just wanted to see if anybody here knew much about them.


Cheers.

[JDNSW]

It seems unlikely that you really need a bigger one, and it may well be that the alternator is at fault. I would take it to an auto electrician for diagnosis - it could well be something a bit more obscure as well as simpler to fix, such as a poor engine/chassis earth or other bad connection. If it comes down to the alternator, the choice between repair/recondition or exchange will be simply one of cost and availability, and again the auto electrician would be your guide.

John

[PhilipA]

An 85 amp Bosch from a Magna TN? will fit relatively easily and fix the problem as its low rev performance is better ie more amps. Except for their clocking the alternators from around 90 Commodores, Falcons, and Magnas are all the same so parts are easy to get. Once fitted they are relatively reliable except the regulator packs seem to die occasionally and need to be replaced at about $50.

The original Magneto Marelli was 65amp on a Vogue and 85 on an SE. For some reason the poms didn't seem to think that anyone put aircon on a Vogue. So a 55 amp is marginal.

Regard sPhilip A

[disco2hse]

It seems unlikely that you really need a bigger one, and it may well be that the alternator is at fault. I would take it to an auto electrician for diagnosis - it could well be something a bit more obscure as well as simpler to fix, such as a poor engine/chassis earth or other bad connection. If it comes down to the alternator, the choice between repair/recondition or exchange will be simply one of cost and availability, and again the auto electrician would be your guide.

John

Yes. That was what I was thinking and as well as simpler to fix - cheaper too, or it may be that the batteries are poked and no longer accepting a charge, let alone retaining one.

In any case the auto sparky is your best bet.

Alan

[CSK]

A bit of an update:


The original alternator (Lucas?) was replaced in 2000 with a Bosch. However, the Bosch one is only 55A output and the A/C alone draws 40A.

The auto sparky is having a hard time sourcing a non-genuine replacement.

Can anyone recommend any part numbers and brands for an alternator (universal?) that will fit a 1990 3.9L with 100+ amp output (future stereo, spotlights etc)?


Much appreciated!

[CSK]

Does anyone know what size the factory alternator is on 1990 Vogues?

Will 70 amps be sufficient?

Cheers.

[mike 90 RR]

Does anyone know what size the factory alternator is on 1990 Vogues?

Will 70 amps be sufficient?

Cheers.


Phillip said ......




An 85 amp Bosch from a Magna TN? will fit

relatively easily and fix the problem as its low rev performance is better ie more amps.


Except for their clocking the alternators from around 90 Commodores, Falcons, and Magnas are all the same so parts are easy to get. Once fitted


they are relatively reliable except the regulator packs seem to die occasionally and need to be replaced at about $50.


The original Magneto Marelli was 65amp on a Vogue and 85 on an SE. For some reason the poms didn't seem to think that anyone put aircon on a Vogue.


So a (your alternator) >>>> 55 amp is marginal >>>> (Not enough)

Regard sPhilip A


He has a alternative for you ..... plus tells you the original specs ....

Mike
:)

[CSK]

Thanks for that Mike, I didn't see PhilipA's post, these British electrics are making me go insane~!