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Traygar · 10-28-2021, 03:22 AM

My alternator is bad and it's so old there are no replacements available for it. It's apparently so old that my chassis guy's rebuild shop told him "good luck finding someone who'll rebuild that thing".

Meanwhile, my 88 Elite Coach 36' Detroit diesel pusher is sitting at the shop. The shop is researching options and we'll be talking more today, and that's why I'm here. I find it hard to believe that it's impossible for a new alternator to be installed at least with modified mounts. There has to be an alternator out there with sufficient power to get the job done, right? Have any of you found a solution to this issue or have any ideas I could pass along to the shop? Unfortunately I'm not very educated yet in the mechanical side of these things.

This alternator is the first step of a list of doable repairs and upgrades this vintage beauty needs in order to start a new life. I can't give up on it just because somebody said they don't make them anymore. Maybe there's an alternator rebuild shop somewhere that specializes in this kind of thing? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

F76Marion · 10-28-2021, 08:53 AM

Traygar,

I used to do boat work. I have never seen an alternator that could not be rebuilt or replaced. If all else fails, look up a company called "Balmar". If they don't show a listing on their catalog page, give them a call.

Frank

Traygar · 10-28-2021, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F76Marion

Traygar,

I used to do boat work. I have never seen an alternator that could not be rebuilt or replaced. If all else fails, look up a company called "Balmar". If they don't show a listing on their catalog page, give them a call.

Frank

Thank you - I forwarded the Balmar website link to my chassis shop. I played around with their configurator and it looks like they make some possible replacements.

bpu699 · 10-28-2021, 10:19 AM

Most alternator "rebuilds" are just 2 bearings and brushes. You could do it yourself with hand tools...

153stars · 10-28-2021, 04:09 PM

Do you any info for alt. I can find old generators or alternators and gen. to alt conversions for antique tractors. I know there has been supply chain issues but haven't heard of alternator shortage. No shortage of places sell in them.
I have more rare 200amp Hehr Powerline alternator but it can be replaced with Leese Neville or Delco with same frame.

arcaguy · 10-28-2021, 05:11 PM

"good luck finding someone who'll rebuild that thing". That's mechanic talk for I don't want to work on this because it might entail real work. I agree that there is probably someone out there that can rebuild any alternator ever made. Keep looking and good luck.

donr103 · 10-28-2021, 05:55 PM

Check around on ebay.. for alternator rebuilding service.. I have seen small American business that rebuild alternator.. can't recall their names.. but they show their phone number..
Good luck and let us know what you did and maybe better members then me will help you

GypsyR · 10-28-2021, 07:04 PM

Sounds silly, 1988 isn't THAT old. Not like a 1930's Hupmobile or something. Around here in Spartanburg all the odd things wash up at a place called Hugh Mull's Rebuilders. A small one man shop but I've not heard of him being afraid of any alternator or starter yet. That's all he does.

Argosy · 10-28-2021, 07:39 PM

A Detroit Diesel probably has a Delco alternator. It should be real easy to get rebuilt. You need to get the manufacturer and model number and look online.

RKins · 10-29-2021, 04:16 AM

I think you just have to find the right shop. We have a shop named Trail Generator that has been here 50+ years with the same guys working there. I took my old Alternator that was not producing anymore and they tried to disassemble it and every bolt they touched snapped off. Luckily they have a ton of old bodies/frames (mine is 160A) and they just matched up what they needed and built me one.

Boogie_ · 10-29-2021, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argosy

A Detroit Diesel probably has a Delco alternator. It should be real easy to get rebuilt. You need to get the manufacturer and model number and look online.

^^^This^^^

Can you post a pic of the alternator?

Traygar · 10-29-2021, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boogie_

^^^This^^^

Can you post a pic of the alternator?

Yes I'll try to get that, thanks. It's still at the shop while they're checking on some other issues, so it may take a little while to get to it. Fortunately it's not far from where I live so l will try to get over there soon as possible and take some pics. Or maybe I can get them to do it and send to me.

Traygar · 10-29-2021, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GypsyR

Sounds silly, 1988 isn't THAT old. Not like a 1930's Hupmobile or something. Around here in Spartanburg all the odd things wash up at a place called Hugh Mull's Rebuilders. A small one man shop but I've not heard of him being afraid of any alternator or starter yet. That's all he does.

Thanks for that - I'll forward that info to my shop. Spartanburg isn't too far from me. Just about 1 1/2 hours drive, and my work often takes me within half that distance.

Traygar · 11-03-2021, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GypsyR

Sounds silly, 1988 isn't THAT old. Not like a 1930's Hupmobile or something. Around here in Spartanburg all the odd things wash up at a place called Hugh Mull's Rebuilders. A small one man shop but I've not heard of him being afraid of any alternator or starter yet. That's all he does.

I looked up Hugh Mull's and gave them a call. The guy I spoke with told me it shouldn't be a problem. I'm going this afternoon to pick up the alternator and send them pictures and model info. I'm not sure whether I'll ship it to them or drive the 1 1/2 hours, but I'm happy that at least the idea of rebuilding it didn't seem to scare them. I'll keep y'all posted on the results as I go. Thanks again to you and the others for all the tips.