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Generator "sloppy" - bearings or replace/upgrade?

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pfillery Insano Dub Head

734 posts · joined Dec 2011 ·

#991280
When fixing my fuel pump last night I noticed my fanbelt a little loose. There appears to be a bit more than the normal expected play at the pulley end of the generator, that is to say I can lift the pulley towards the top of the engine bay and take up the slack in the belt. Pulley is tight on thje shaft so I'm attributing it to the bearing at the end of the genny.

Is there an option to replace a bearing or simply replace the generator?

What about going to an alternator? Pros and cons? I don't really need an alternator or extra power but it seems to be an upgrade a lot of folk do.

Engine is a 1600 type 1.

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 ·

#991287
A bearing is $10 an alternator is $200

The only reason you would replace the gen would be if the bearing housing was damaged, otherwise the bearing replacement and even reco while you're there would be the most simple.
If you want an alternator, you'll need a kit with stand and backing plates and mods to the wiring are required, all doable but all take time and $$, and get a good one, many copies are rubbish.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

vduboy Insano Dub Head

702 posts · joined Oct 2012 ·

#991295
matberry wrote:A bearing is $10 an alternator is $200

The only reason you would replace the gen would be if the bearing housing was damaged, otherwise the bearing replacement and even reco while you're there would be the most simple.
If you want an alternator, you'll need a kit with stand and backing plates and mods to the wiring are required, all doable but all take time and $$, and get a good one, many copies are rubbish.
Sorry for the hi jack, what are the good ones Mat? I think my old external regulated Motorola one is a bit weak and might have to replace it soon..
It will all be OK in the end, if it's not OK it's not the end!

pfillery Insano Dub Head

734 posts · joined Dec 2011 ·

#991296
Thanks Matt.

Obviously my preference is to fix what I've got, don't really have a need to go to an alternator, the genny seems to do just fine.

Is it a case of going to a bearing supplier and taking the old one in or is there a specific part I can order up front? Any idea of the part number/brand?

Can the bearing be changed in the car or does the genny have to come out?

vwo60 Veteran Volks Folk

2,036 posts · joined Feb 2007 ·

#991298
You probably will find that the OD of the bearing has been spinning in the housing causing wear, i have loctited bearings in before to fix this issue, you will need to pull it apart to confirm that is the issue. if it is worn to far you could sorce a end cover in better condition.

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 ·

#991315
The alternators I use are from Vintage Vee Dub. Boris gets a Chinese brand specially made with better bearings. A good price and over the last few years I've had 100% reliability with the few I've sold/fitted.
I agree with Shayne, pull it apart, checK whats required first. With your description of the amount of play, the housing may be a problem so it would pay to check first.
By memory the bearings are 6209 but please check. They are common and easily sourced at an auto electrician or bearing shop
You might consider removing the gen (which you definately need to do) and taking the lot to an auto electrician, there are some difficult operations involved like pulling the bearings and undoing the fan nut depending on what tools you have. Even getting the gennie out can prove to be challenging for some.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#991317
I think the bearings are 6203 very common and cheap get the ZZ ones as they are greased and sealed

If that's not the number when you pull the generator apart the number is on end of bearing too easy
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

vduboy Insano Dub Head

702 posts · joined Oct 2012 ·

#991328
Cool thanks for that Mat. I'll give them a buzz to get a price.. Hoopers or CBC are good for bearings and seals too. Even if the bearing has no numbers on them (sometimes the etching wears off) they can match them up for size.
It will all be OK in the end, if it's not OK it's not the end!

pfillery Insano Dub Head

734 posts · joined Dec 2011 ·

#991329
Does anyone sell reco generators? I have limited time to do the job and would prefer a weekend friendly solution. By the time I have it out and ready to look at, a lot of places would be closed.

Or any ideas on costs to have one reconditioned?

I know there's plenty of Chinese junk gennys out there too.