86 Alternator rebuild?

[Peter M.]

Can anyone recommend a good shop or service center where I can get my original alternator rebuilt?

[Chuck S.]

Re: 86 Alternator rebuild?

Any small auto repair shop that's been around awhile can probably replace the parts to make it functional. If you've already asked around and can't find anyone local, call John Pirkle...their business is restoration, so consequently their prices may be higher; you will also have the freight both ways.

That vintage alternator reminds me of that old Jaguar saw: "Better buy two of them...then you'll have one to drive while the other one is in the shop".

[Peter M.]

Re: 86 Alternator rebuild?

Thanks Chuck.

[Joe L.]

Re: 86 Alternator rebuild?

Can anyone recommend a good shop or service center where I can get my original alternator rebuilt?

Peter-----


Some of these internal parts for these 80's and 90's alternators can be hard to find. However, one thing you can do if you have a modicum of mechanical ability is this: purchase a remanufactured Delco alternator for your application (Delco #334-286, aka GM #10497122, if 105A or Delco #334-2286 aka GM #19135844 if 130A). Then, transfer all the internal parts to your case. Presto! You have a completely rebuilt alternator with your original case.

[Peter M.]

Re: 86 Alternator rebuild?

Peter-----


Some of these internal parts for these 80's and 90's alternators can be hard to find. However, one thing you can do if you have a modicum of mechanical ability is this: purchase a remanufactured Delco alternator for your application (Delco #334-286, aka GM #10497122, if 105A or Delco #334-2286 aka GM #19135844 if 130A). Then, transfer all the internal parts to your case. Presto! You have a completely rebuilt alternator with your original case.

Joe, thats a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Jim T.]

Re: 86 Alternator rebuild?

I can recommend the man/shop who did the alternator on my 85 a couple years ago. I was going to put new bearings in it but after going to my Goodyear store to have the fan nut loosened with an impact wrench, I could not remove the shaft from the front bearing. Took it to Rogers Alternator&Starter Rebuild/Repair shop and he installed new bearings, and cleaned up the communtator in his machine. Getting the shaft out of the front bearing was a very tough job. I watched him do all the work. The steel plate behind the bearing was destroyed in order to get the bearing off the shaft, like I said a lot of work. All his work and parts he charged only $20.00.

[Joe L.]

Re: 86 Alternator rebuild?

I can recommend the man/shop who did the alternator on my 85 a couple years ago. I was going to put new bearings in it but after going to my Goodyear store to have the fan nut loosened with an impact wrench, I could not remove the shaft from the front bearing. Took it to Rogers Alternator&Starter Rebuild/Repair shop and he installed new bearings, and cleaned up the communtator in his machine. Getting the shaft out of the front bearing was a very tough job. I watched him do all the work. The steel plate behind the bearing was destroyed in order to get the bearing off the shaft, like I said a lot of work. All his work and parts he charged only $20.00.

Jim-----


That sounds like it's DEFINITELY the way to go to me! It's absolutely true that dis-assembling these later alternators is a lot more difficult than the C2-C3 units which are, basically, a "piece of cake".

[Joe L.]

Re: 86 Alternator rebuild?

The 86-up alternator is a CS-130. It is easy to split the cases, but difficult to do much else. Even for someone who knows what they're getting into.

The main issue with the CS130 is that you have to disconnect the stator leads from the rectifier in order to disassemble the 'electronics' in the rear housing. The 'industry standard' is to cut these off, then install a 'jumper' to the stator for re-use. I have had THREE Delco Re-mans fail after a relatively short period of time due to this practice. It builds too much heat in the ONE wire, where there use to be two. I will no longer be using Delco re-mans.

My solution is to order a NEW stator and HD rectifier from this page:

https://00dfde1.netsolstores.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=1038

Add a set of bearings, and it's all-new, with your original dated front housing, for about 85.00.

If you don't feel confident trying the install yourself, take the stuff to a shop.

I just did this this week. I ordered a 271232 Stator, DR4002 Rectifier, D411 Regulator. I obtained the bearings locally, but these are on this site as well.

Just remember that the 86 to 93 is a CS-130. The 85 is a 15-SI, which is an odd-ball, but fairly reliable machine. The 94-96 is a CS-130D (internal fan). Order parts for the correct unit

HTH,
Dave

Dave-----


Excellent and highly useful information. Thanks.