Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

My OEM alternator has started making noise, from what I see I cannot buy a new one. In the interest of leaving the car original I would rather not try to convert it. Is a rebuild my only option or is there an exchange part that bolts in?

Ugh the trials and tribulations of a relatively rare car. Having same issues with my 1960 bug with one year only parts. Why do I do this to myself?

Picture of the back from when I did the fuel pump.

If the car is still running positive ground (snap a picture of the Plate on the top of the alternator, it should say positive ground) , I'd suggest you rebuild the original. That would be the easiest route. Not too big of a deal.

If the car is all ready converted to negative ground, there are many replacement options.

If it is just noisy, you can replace the bearings - not much drama in that.

It's a positive ground, I know this because I always put the damn battery in backwards.

Funny thing is that the most useful and detailed part of the service manual is the alternator and starter rebuild sections.

Noise can also be as simple as worn brushes.
Anyhoo, like ^^ said, take it to an Auto Electrician and ask for bearing replacement or DIY if you want.
WARNING: Make sure that anyone who works on it are aware that it is POSITIVE GROUND

I had a fire that BBQ'd by alternator. I purchased a new one from DatsunParts.com and it works fine. Just pay attention to the wiring diagram. You will also be able to disconnect your voltage regulator post operation.

http://datsunparts.com/Electrical

I have two others that I could have rebuilt but I chose something new for reliability. It's a tighter fit for sure, but I did get my existing belt to work.

-ccb

My argument is if I still have all the stock parts, someone could still piece it back together at a cost. =)

Well, the alternator gave up yesterday started smoking. I'll be calling a couple places Monday to see about a rebuild. I was hoping to purchase a spare, but was out bid on the only one I could find. I'll keep a look out.

Those who have had their alternator rebuilt, what was the cost?

I had my early 66 alternator rebuilt for about $100. The problem was finding a voltage regulator for early plug. Can't find them anywhere.

Got word back from the shop that is rebuilding the alternator, said it was pretty well damaged, and is going to be 4 more than double the initial estimate to repair. Oh well, needs to be done...

PM sent

Picked up my new rebuilt alternator, looks great. Shop said when they opened it, it just fell apart. So it has likely never been rebuilt.

And they neglected to properly tighten the nut holding on the pulley... It came off and so did the pulley breaking a couple fins in the process and the threads for the shaft are damaged so I could not even get a new nut on it. It's going back with a rather frank discussion. We will see what can be done about the pulley and fins but I might be SOL on that front.

bergcc wrote:I had a fire that BBQ'd by alternator. I purchased a new one from DatsunParts.com and it works fine. Just pay attention to the wiring diagram. You will also be able to disconnect your voltage regulator post operation.

http://datsunparts.com/Electrical


-ccb

This will not work at all for the spl310 which is positive ground. Will cause a complete melt down/fire.