101FC Alternators 12V Systems

[stuee]

Been researching alternative alternators after discovering the standard unit is only a measly 34Amps , in particular focusing on Bosch alternatives, thanks to their good availability and easy to find parts catalogues.

From what I gather the 101FC mounting is not exactly the same as early range rovers thanks to being mounted on the the gear shift mount. To be honest though I haven't seen any early range rover mountings so cant say for sure, I just assume this as after looking at some of the alternators suggested for the early rangies and getting the measurements out of the Bosch catalogue, it seems there's no way they would fit.

Firstly, here's the approximate measurements of the 101 mounting:


The biggest issue with the 101 mounting is the part that measures 20mm wide (in yellow). If this was a metal plate mounting, which I gather earlier ranger rovers had, it would be a little more flexible in choosing an alternative.

My preferred option is the VW 120A Alternator as suggested on rangerovers.net. After looking at the dimensions, I'm most confident this one could be made to fit the 101 with the least work:
Installing a generic VW Bosch 120 Amp alternator on a Range Rover

I've discovered the alternative part number is "0 123 510 053" which appears like it would fit well if I shaved 1mm off the forward most bracket, while the original part number from the article appears like it would not fit. But, I doubt this alternator would be that cheap in Aus or freely available. The other big issue is the mounting leg is kicked over the wrong way which may not allow it to fit on that easily.


The next suggested option is the magna alternator (BXM1236A 90A), but this is where I think the 20mm mounting section mentioned above would foul the rear alternator mount, where as it wouldn't be an issue on a metal plate mount, or it would be an issue that was easy to overcome. Again, it also seems as if the upper leg is kicked over to the wrong side, which may not allow it to fit properly in the 101 engine bay.


Finally the other suggestions for the early rangies appears to be the XE-XF falcon mount. While the front mount looks spot on, the upper mounting leg is around the correct way, and it already has the correct pulley fitted, the rear alternator mount appears as if it would fit smack bang on cast mount section.


It seems very feasible to make up a custom front mount for the alternator, which could open up more options, but the limiting factor will always be the rear mount. So before I start going through every single model in the catalogue, does anyone have any suggestions on alternators that may fit, preferably common, freely available units.

[stuee]

Just looking through then and found the Police Special Commodore VS V8 Alternator may be an option. It would need a lot more work in regards to spacers, but looks like it would fit in the space required, and should be easy to get a hold of, Only issue is the upper mounting not being kicked over, could cause issues, but less than being orientated the wrong way:


The standard V8 alternator could be made to fit by fabricating a new front mount, and would be cheap as chips and easy to get a hold of:


Either of these would have suitable amount of power. Also FYI, this thread is useful for me too so I don't forget all the ones I've looked at. So it may get full of pictures at the end. If I find one that fits I'll go back and clean it up

[slug_burner]

If you rig up a bracket with two bits of bent up metal strap into a "C" shape as per the green and light blue on the picture then you can hold it all together with bolts to allow adjustment. Then you can use any alternator you like(have), just have to get the length of the two purple lines sorted.

Might not be what your after but it is an alternative, might require a different length fan belt but an alternative all the same.

[stuee]

If you rig up a bracket with two bits of bent up metal strap into a "C" shape as per the green and light blue on the picture then you can hold it all together with bolts to allow adjustment. Then you can use any alternator you like(have), just have to get the length of the two purple lines sorted.

Might not be what your after but it is an alternative, might require a different length fan belt but an alternative all the same.

I actually really like that idea, would be simple to fab up a bracket like that and wouldn't be moving the alternator too far. Only thing I would add would be a third link to another part of the engine so it doesn't act as a pivot point. Plus it would give me a chance to use my welder again!!

Cheers,
Stuart

[slug_burner]

I actually really like that idea, would be simple to fab up a bracket like that and wouldn't be moving the alternator too far. Only thing I would add would be a third link to another part of the engine so it doesn't act as a pivot point. Plus it would give me a chance to use my welder again!!

Cheers,
Stuart

If the front bracket is a bolt on job to the front of the motor, I'd start there. Refabricate the front bracket so it provides two bolt holes that can then be used to stop the adaptor bracket from pivoting.

[Homestar]

Has anyone upgraded the wimpy 35 amp Lucas alternator that is on the 12 volt versions? I'm looking for something around the 60 amp mark that will bolt into the original location with a minimum of fuss.

I'm asking this question for another member - I've already fitted a 55amp Bosch unit down low on the other side on mine.

There isn't a lot of room width wise where they mount.

Thoughts?

Cheers - Gav.

[drifter]

I got a ~65amp "Lucas compatible" one off a local crowd for around $265

Bolted straight on - just adjusted the location of the pulley (removed the spacers) to line up with the fan belt.

They are available on eBay - when I remember the name of the local supplier I'll post it.

Edit: Ashdown Ingram supplied mine but I notice the same unit is on eBay for the same price at the moment.

[Homestar]

Thanks - I'll have a look. You don't have a part number by any chance?

[stuee]

I did a fair bit of searching for a suitable alternator a while back and came up with no easy swap over option. I settled on fabing up a bracket as suggested by another forum member although this has become a low priority job for me so haven't done it yet. If you find an easy replacement let me know!

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/101-forwar...v-systems.html

[drifter]

OK - as you may have guessed, I am talking about the alternator I put on my Stage 1 V8 engine. Essentially the same engine but it may have its accessories in different places to fit inside the engine bay between the two vehicles.

I had the old 17ACR in there when I got it but the addition of spotlights soon showed that it wasn't going to be enough - so I went searching.

The one I got literally fitted straight in - no mods to MY brackets were required. YMMV.

I just went out and eyeballed it - the label was peeling off so I removed it so I could read it better inside.... it is a LXA120 from OEX (Ashdown Ingram sell a lot of OEX stuff). Funnily enough, under the label was another label which identified it as a Unipoint LXA120 70A alternator.

Hope this helps.

Edit: also.... check this out: Alternator issues