Changes

NG 900/9-3 Alternator

530 bytes added, 19:14, 4 November 2009
==Remanufactured Units==
I decided to go the remanufactured route. I found a 90-Amp alternator, rebuilt by Beck-Arnley on eBay. Fig. 1 [[file:90093_Alt_1.jpg|thumb|Fig. 1 - Remanufactured Alternator]]
The alternator label reads:
==Alternator Pulley==
My alternator came with the pulley, so I did not have to deal with the recessed 24-mm nut that holds it in place. Otherwise the pulley must be removed from the old alternator, and installed on the new one.Fig. 2[[file:90093_Alt_3.jpg|thumb|Fig. 2 - Alternator Pulley]]
==Inspection==
===Removing Cover for Inspection===
The cover is attached by three phillips screws and plastic snaps. To take it off, the nut at the positive terminal have to be removed, then the screws holding the cover. The plastic snaps are unlatched and the cover can then be pried up using a screwdriver. I decided to take a look.Fig. 3[[file:90093_Alt_2.jpg|thumb|Fig. 3 - Alternator with cover removed for inspection]]
===Voltage Regulator===
The regulator and brushes are one assembly, held in place by two long screws and washers. Replacing just this part seems like a good option if the bearings work. Fig. 4[[file:90093_Alt_7.jpg|thumb|Fig. 4 - Regulator on Alternator]]
===Slip Rings===
On close examination, the slip rings did not look new. The dark bands are the contact areas for the brushes, but the wear on the rings seemed minimal. The voltage regulator also did not look new, but new brushes had been installed in the regulator assembly.Fig. 5[[file:90093_Alt_8.jpg|thumb|Fig. 5 - Regulator removed and slip rings visible]]
===Voltage Regulator Assembly===
A new voltage regulator assembly consists of a ceramic carrier with spring-loaded brushes installed on one side and the voltage regulator on the other side. The contacts are crimped or soldered, and the voltage regulator appears riveted. Unlike the alternator, there is no core charge.Fig. 6[[file:90093_Alt_9.jpg|thumb|Fig. 6 - Voltage regulator assembly]]
===Brushes===
The Haynes manual specifies minimum brush length as 5 mm. The brushes are crimped or soldered in and can be replaced if you find a brush kit. The regulator seems to be attached to the ceramic holder by rivets and does not look easily removable. Fig. 7[[file:90093_Alt_6.jpg|thumb|Fig. 7 - Voltage regulator parts]]
Regulator label reads: