Malcolm - Alternator question please

[kth286]

Malcolm

As a person with extensive automobile electrical knowledge, I would appreciate your comments on the following question.

I am just about to replace my alternator on 1995 E320 Coupe (W124).

It is a 90 amp compact generator, and has burnt out at 160,000 miles, so I guess not bad service.

Just had a Bosch original remanufactured alternator delivered from an authorised Bosch distributor and am ready to fit it.

It has the pulley already fitted and it looks the same as the original.

However, on attempting to turn the pulley on the new unit whilst holding the unit in my hands, I could not turn it (as it is very stiff I assume).

In your opinion, is this normal ????????????????

Would it be to do with the fact that until the ignition is switched on, the
"excitation" is not triggered.

Should I go ahead and fit it, or do I need to call the distributor and query the status of the alternator ??????????????

Your comments would be appreciated before I fit the unit.

Regards

 

[television]

Hi Kieth, I think that you will have to return it, they should not be very stiff, there is only the pressure form the brushes giving any resistance at all, and this is light.There is just a bearing each end, and it should feel little different to the old one, as it is an AC generator there are no other fields

Even connected up there is no effect from any fields as the output is isolated by the 3 diodes

All in all it should not feel so different to your old one

 

[hmang]

that stiff alt doesn't sound right at all.
it should spin freely.

just my 2 penny worth

btw ...Keith or David ..?

 

[kth286]

Guys

Thanks for the input.

I have now spoken to Bosch themselves and they agree it sounds faulty, so distributor is sourcing another one for tomorrow.

 

[S80]

A distributor sourcing an alternator :-D

Agreed - sounds like a duff part to me.....