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242t - Alternator Issues 200

posted by  don hodgdon on  Tue Jul 13 02:32 CST 2004
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last visit: Sat Mar 2 07:50 CST 2013
[RELATED]

My charging system has issues...All the lights on my car flicker; instruments, running lights, even the volt gauge jumps around. Battery is new, all grounds have been cleaned, brushes are good and a new wiring harness has been installed. I suspect the original alternator is toast.

I have the older style alternator with an external voltage regulator which I would like to replace with a newer style unit with an integrated VR. Is there a direct fit option?

Thanks,

--
don hodgdon '89 744ti, '81 242t, '71 D-35...just waitin' for the glue to dry :-)








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    242t - Alternator Issues 200

    posted by  DougC on  Tue Jul 13 16:22 CST 2004
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    last visit: Sun Aug 10 08:30 CST 2014
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    Don,

    Please let me know how it turns out. I think I'll be replacing the alternator soon on my 81.

    Thanks
    --
    Thanks everyone for all the information and advice, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, B21F (non-Turbo), M46; 86 244, B230, 140k , auto.








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    242t - Alternator Issues 200

    posted by  neptune242 on  Tue Jul 13 04:05 CST 2004
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    last visit: Thu Dec 20 13:00 CST 2012
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    The external VR in my 81 242Ti failed a couple years ago, and I replaced the entire alternator (55amp) with a 70 (or maybe 80) amp version from an 87 240. The only problem I had was that my old alternator belts were too long to allow for proper adjustment of the new alternator. I had to pick up ones that were 1/2" shorter.
    Other than it it was simple and relatively painless. Has been working flawlessly since then. I also replaced the accessory mount bushings on the alternator side with ipd's poly units,and you might want to consider replacing yours as long as you have it all out. My old rubber ones were pretty badly cracked and two were deformed a little.
    Volvo changed to internally regulated alternators in 82 or 83. I assume that the Turbo's switched too, so you could probably find a 55 amp IR from a newer Turbo, but I've never checked.
    Good luck.
    --
    Logan
    1981 242GLTi 1967.5 122S Automatic (project)
    Seattle, WA








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      242t - Alternator Issues 200

      posted by  Volvodad on  Tue Jul 13 10:26 CST 2004
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      last visit: Thu Oct 23 16:18 CST 2014
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      Interesting...I replaced my son's 81, 55Amp with a 70Amp from an 84. No belt issues at all, the alternator pulley was identical. But then his 55Amp was a Bosch rebuild with an internal regulator, so maybe not identical to the OE.

      Not quite a drop-in, the 70Amp output lug was in a slightly different location and I had to draw ALL the slack i could find in the heavy gauge wire between the alt. and the starter solenoid lug to get it to hook up.

      As Logan did, I replaced the mount bushings (but with stock rubber) - the old ones were crumbling and giving lots of belt screech due to misalignment.
      --
      Bob (son's 81-244GL B21F, dtr's 83-244DL B23F, 'my' 94-944 B230FD; plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, hobbycar MGB, and numerous old motorcycles)








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      242t - Alternator Issues 200

      posted by  don hodgdon on  Tue Jul 13 04:18 CST 2004
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      last visit: Sat Mar 2 07:50 CST 2013
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      Thanks Logan,

      You don't happen to have the part number for the belt you used, do you?

      --
      don hodgdon '89 744ti, '81 242t, '71 D-35...just waitin' for the glue to dry :-)








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        242t - Alternator Issues 200

        posted by  neptune242 on  Tue Jul 13 14:46 CST 2004
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        last visit: Thu Dec 20 13:00 CST 2012
        [RELATED]

        According to my records I used two "Gates" brand 9.5/10x955mm belts. I think stock are 10x925mm, or at least that is what came out of my car. I found that the 70amp alternator housing is larger, and hits the oil pressure sender (much larger on a B21FT than on a B21F) before the alternator is slack enough to get the stock belts back on. Thus the longer belt. Sorry about saying shorter in the original post. Got confused with the shorter PS belt on the other side to allow clearance for the IC piping. Stock belts might work on a B21F, or even B21FT's that don't belong to me!
        The PO re-wired my car (thanks to the wonderful biodegradable harness), so I didn't have any troubles with the output lug as Volvodad mentioned. But you will probably want to watch out for it.
        Good luck. Enjoy your extra amperage.
        --
        Logan
        1981 242GLTi 1967.5 122S Automatic (project)
        Seattle, WA








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          242t - Alternator Issues 200

          posted by  don hodgdon on  Tue Jul 13 15:28 CST 2004
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          last visit: Sat Mar 2 07:50 CST 2013
          [RELATED]

          Excellent, thanks for the info.

          I have replaced the wiring harness and there seems to be plenty of slack in the wires and I already have the poly bushings in place. I'll start looking for a deal on a 70 amp unit.

          --
          don hodgdon '89 744ti, '81 242t, '71 D-35...just waitin' for the glue to dry :-)







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