Just thought I would update the charging situation for 6 cylinder and possibly 12 cylinder e types as some of you may be relying on 50 year old Lucas alternators and 4ACR control units.
Years ago the 4ACR on my 4.2 failed, so I bought another4 ACR which failed. So I bought a £250 self regulating 70a unit from a well respected source.
This was fitted correctly with a heat shield, a correctly tensioned belt and also failed a year later after 10,000 miles. The rear bearings had become very noisy.
Last week I removed the offending self regulating alternator, disassembled it and found the rear bearing was not greased and had seized. I greased the bearing and all was fine, well better anyway. Once I got it apart it all brought back memories of changing alternators on old bangers in my youth mainly on Fords.
A picture search of the offending noisy alternator produced many alternatives, So I thought I would take the plunge. Look what arrived for £50 all in from Hella (Timefit remanufactured) (below).
Spot the difference, the dimensions are identical. The one on the top £50, one at the bottom £250. It was the one at the bottom that packed up.
The wiring on self regulating alternators requires you to bypass the regulator. This is two minutes work for the novice with insulation tape and a spade connector. No wires need to be cut, it is simpler.
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PM me if you want the full details !
