Lucas Alternator - Part 2: Replacing with a GM Unit
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- čas přidán 3. 05. 2021
- Our TR6's alternator started malfunctioning. That's not uncommon, and while the Lucas alternators have an undeserved reputation for unreliability, they're still well past the intended design life in most cases. A new voltage regulator is on order, but is still weeks away--so to keep the Triumph on the road, we've installed a Delco alternator.
This is more relevant in the US, where yes... you can order a Bosch replacement, but it will cost more and won't be as readily available as the Delco. I would be surprised if these alternators weren't on the shelf or if they cost over $45 or so.
The installation is easy since the alternators have the same 3-wire setup. It's so easy, in fact, that I learned how to swap a generator for this exact alternator on our Triumph Spitfire in an Auto Zone parking lot while on our honeymoon. If I can do it there with no knowledge of what I was doing (and yes, I'm still married)... you can do it too! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Great job! I’m going to be doing the same soon. Thank you!
Good luck! There are supposedly straight swaps with certain Bosch alternators I think, but it's more difficult to get those depending on where you live. I like the GM ones since they're dirt cheap and can be found at any Auto Zone around here.
@@midwestmotoring I just picked mine up from NAPA. Ordered it online and saved $5!!! I agree, I like how I can get it locally very easily. I’m installing it on a Land Rover but in the same position as yours. I’m converting from generator to alternator. The generator is being a real pain in da butta!!
Do you remember what the part number for the delco unit was? Also any chance it would wire up to the AAW harness?
Unfortunately I don't remember the part number, but it's honestly a run-of-the-mill GM alternator. If you pick, say, a Chevy C10 pickup from 1975, you'll come up with this alternator. The alternator is "clocked", meaning that after you install it, the wires can plug in from different sides. Basically, you can rotate the back of the alternator so the plug is in a different spot, which gives it a new part number technically, but it's the same part. There are plug-and-play alternators that will wire up to the original harness from newer cars, but they're difficult to find in the US.
How did you know which of the larger brown wires goes where? They appear to be the same size. Perhaps it doesn’t matter?
Hi William, that's correct. I'm assuming you're talking about a TR6. If so, if you follow the wiring diagram you'll find that both of the brown wires go to the same junction where they join up with all of the other brown wires, the battery and the wire to the starter. Since both wires (at least in my car) are the same gauge, you can use them interchangeably.
If you DO see that one wire is larger, use that one for the main output.
Did you notice that your charge indicator is registering a higher voltage with the GM unit?
I did not. Then again the old alternator wasn't working properly so not great for comparison.... Is there a reason that would happen?
WRAP THE BOLT WITH THE ALUMINUM FROM A SODA CAN
That definitely works. Thanks!