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35 Amp Alternator? 1800 1971

posted by  RepairmanJackal on  Thu Jul 12 16:47 CST 2007
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last visit: Tue Jun 10 09:52 CST 2014
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Last year, I completely scrapped a 1971 1800 and transplanted most of the goodies into my 1967 122S. Since I already upgraded my 67, I saved the 1800E's alternator for use at some point in the future. i never got around to looking at it until yesterday.

It appears to be just a 14 volt 35 amp unit, but looks identical to a troublesome 55 amp spare I have on hand.

35 amps seems a bit low for a fuel injected 1971 1800E. Is that what came stock? It hardly seems like I'd get much an improvement installing it on my "new" generator-equipped 1968 122S... Yet it ran a much more electrically intensive system before...

The brushes are shot in both 35 amp and 55 amp units, but I have one set of New Old Stock replacements that did not really help the 55 amp unit, but would probably restore the 35 amp unit...

Still 35 hardly seems worth the effort.
Any recommendations?

Thanks.


NOTE:
I have a 68 block with a cast "ear" so I don't need Ron's or IPD's kit.
I do not want to but ANOTHER alternator
I want to stick with volvo components







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    35 Amp Alternator? 1800 1971

    posted by  Antique Swedish Steel on  Mon Jul 16 03:56 CST 2007
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    last visit: Fri Jan 27 01:30 CST 2012
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    You should upgrade the old expensive Bosch alternators and get the GM alternator conversion kit sold by Ron Kraus. The voltage regulator is internal, you can get over 100 Amp alternator, and the GM alternators only cost $40 at Advance Auto, and they are on the shelf. Chromed alternators are available if you want to fix it up some.

    Joel
    --
    Antique Swedish Steel (Never Rusty) Silver 71 142E








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      You Mean Ron Kwas?? 1800 1971

      posted by  RepairmanJackal on  Mon Jul 16 04:16 CST 2007
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      last visit: Tue Jun 10 09:52 CST 2014
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      I figure you mean Ron Kwas, SW-EM and all that?

      I put on a 35 amp because it's what I had on hand. My 55 amp Bosch has some bad windings or a bad comutator or something. All post-1967 engine blocks have an ear to bolt an alternator on.

      Ron's kit, while an excellent choice for older engines seems very redundant when you already have a one-bolt solution for mounting an alternator. Plus, Ron is quite clear that he does not sell the alternator itself - you'll have to find your own.

      Sooo... I could drop $100.00 on a kit, and another $100.00 on a alternator, plus pay to get the proper pulley installed and then bolt the whole shebang to my engine. Or I could drive one bolt into an existing hole and transplant the 1800E alternator and regulator to my car. Then run a couple wires and be happy with the peace of mind that an extra 10 amps and a modern charging system gives my stock 68's system.

      Ron's stuff is great, but I'd prefer to keep it simple by using the components I have on hand.








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    35 Amp Alternator? 1800 1971

    posted by  Blue Horse on  Fri Jul 13 03:11 CST 2007
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    last visit: Mon Apr 8 17:57 CST 2013
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    My 71 142E had a 35 amp Bosch alternator, which in theory would seem to be pretty marginal, but in actuality did the job just fine, powering all the usual stuff, plus a stereo of moderate output and halogen headlights with 60/55W bulbs. This unit is outwardly identical to the 55 amp Bosch (with separate regulator) found on 72-73 injected cars. If that't the one you describe as "troublesome" I suspect the problem is confined to your specific unit, as I never had any difficulty with any of the Bosch variants. In my experience, Motorola and SEV Marchal are the ones to avoid.








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      Unit-specific 55 Amp 1800 1971

      posted by  RepairmanJackal on  Fri Jul 13 11:35 CST 2007
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      last visit: Tue Jun 10 09:52 CST 2014
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      Sorry, did not clarify. There is something specifically wrong with this 55 amp alternator. It barely charged the system, even after perfect new brushes and a new voltage regulator.

      My own 68 is entirely stock with a set of Autoroche driving lights that are not presently installed. No wowie stereo, although I'd like to change the speakers at the very least...








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    35 Amp Alternator? 1800 1971

    posted by  122 and 940 and too many on  Fri Jul 13 00:06 CST 2007
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    last visit: Mon Apr 25 13:12 CST 2011
    [RELATED]

    I've run an 1800ES on the 35 Amp alternator without problems, it really depends on how many other electrical gew-gaws you intend to run.








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      35 Amp Alternator? 1800 1971

      uid 25070's pic
      posted by  Barongrey on  Tue Aug 7 16:48 CST 2007
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      last visit: Wed Dec 3 15:46 CST 2008
      [RELATED]

      I have the B20 engine in my PV544, and even the 55w alternator made the dash light glow with the driving lights on. I installed a one-wire 100w GM alternator using the bracket from the Chevy I took it from.

      The dash light doesn't glow any more!







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