Just tripped over a handy little website. I was looking for slip rings so that a local shop could re-build my alternator. It's often far cheaper to have your alternator re-built than to to buy a replacement off the shelf or get a used one of questionable condition, although you may have to leave it in the shop for a few days or weeks. They couldn't readily find a part number through their regular sources as the particular Bosch 100 amp alternator part number I gave them is apparently not overly common. Bosch seems to keep their catalogues and part number applications off the internet -even their distributors seem to have trouble getting a thorough list. I found a great site www.woodauto.com in the U.K. that some of you may want to bookmark for help in looking up and cross-referencing alternator and starter part numbers, determining their specifications and in which Volvo models, years and engines they were used. They've got stuff for some of the oldest RWD's (6 volt 440/540's even) to some of the newest FWD's.

o For alternators/starters, if you know the Bosch (or Marchal or whatever) part number then enter it in the upper right search box. Each major listing will give you the specs, a list of equivalent or similar units, the Volvo part numbers, the years, models and engines in which it was used and a list of the component replacement part numbers and an indication of availability. Many of those components are linked to their own page with further information on the part including a typically long list of all the alternators/starters in which that part was used. Very useful if your part scrounging or swapping.

o I found the Advanced Search page (linked to from the header) almost impossible to use. Better to use the following method.

o If you don't have the alternator/starter number handy then you can use this vehicle search page which you should also bookmark as I couldn't find it on the homepage (it probably requires a customer account login to find). First off, make sure the upper right search box is clear (or you'll come up empty). Select Volvo as the manufacturer and then your particular model and/or engine. You'll then be given a list of the alternators and starts by model year and application. You may need to try a couple of model/engine/alternator/starter configurations to find the appropriate list of alternators/starters. From the list just start following the hotlinks to find the full descriptions and the parts you're interested in. Most are complete with pics.

I was able to give my shop the proper Bosch slip ring part number which turned out to be a part common to many Bosch alternators.

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Dave