A discussion about alternators and their "clocking"

[RustyPile]

I posted a reply concerning the "reclocking" of alternators in another thread. But due to inactivity, the thread soon slipped down a page or 2 and has gone unnoticed.. I considered posting this new thread in the "ELECTRICAL" forum, but this forum seems to get more views. At the moderators discretion, this thread can be moved or even deleted..

Lately, no, actually almost continually, there has been several discussions concerning installing higher output and/or internally regulated alternators and I've been following all those threads/posts.. "Which one do I need?"... "Which amperage output do I look for?". "Which make/model vehicle should I consider when choosing an alternator?".... I see a lot of emphasis placed on the "clocking" of an alternator.. The "clocking" of an SI type and a few other alternators is a totally unnecessary consideration when making your selection as the "clocking" can be easily changed.. When these alternators are assembled, all the internal components -- stator, rotor, diode bridges, voltage regulator, etc. -- are assembled into the rear case half.. The brushes are placed in the brush holder in the fully retracted position and held by a plastic rod. This rod passes over the end of the brushes and sticks out through a conveniently placed hole in the back of the case. The rotor shaft is inserted into the rear bearing.. The two case halves are slid together in what ever "clock" position the particular application calls for.. The four bolts are installed and the plastic rod is removed, allowing the brushes to make contact with the brush rings..

Buy/select an alternator of whatever amperage you desire and/or need.. Remove those 4 bolts holding the case halves together.. Gently and slightly separate the case halves about 1/8" - 3/16" leaving the stator fully seated in the rear half and the rotor (the part/shaft that has the pully on it's end) lifted slightly but still partially seated in the rear case half.. Rotate the front case half to the proper "clock position" for your application.. Reseat the case halves and replace the bolts.. If you slip up and separate the case halves too far and the brushes slip off the brush rings, just fully separate the case halves, reinsert the brushes into the brush holder.. The brushes can be held in place using the red plastic tube that comes with a chemical spray cleaner.. Position the case halves in the needed "clock position" and push the case halves back together.. Install the four bolts, remove the plastic tube, and you're good to go..