Hello Delica community!
I had read a thread about alternator rebuilt options in the US on this forum and though I would share my experience in BC, Canada, if that can help anyone!
I'm rather new to Delicas and mechanics in general; this thread might be useful to other new owners or wannabe mechanics.
The previous owner (and friend) of my 1992 L300 Delica reported alternator had been failing twice already and was replaced with used alternators from other Delicas for parts. When I purchased the car, the alternator died right away and I had the previous owner replace it again before taking the car. After a month driving the car in the Fall, temperatures lowered below freezing level and I started having trouble starting the car. I had to charge the battery with a charger. One day it completely lost power and would not start anymore even when trying to jumpstart. I first suspected the battery was the problem as it was really old and due. I replaced the battery with a new one, but noticed the voltage would still drop from 12.6V to below 12.0V once starting the car and the battery would just drain again. I then suspected the Alternator was the issue.
I considered buying a new Alternator but it's not easy to find this part around (could ship one from Rising Sun located in Victoria for 450$ + shipping or 390$ if I had sent my old alternator). I was told that having the alternator rebuilt could be a cheaper option. I brought my alternator to Roko Services in Vernon for a bench test and was told the cost would be near 400$. I was told that rebuilding the original alternator could be a more reliable option as new imported parts are often copies of lower quality (I haven't done much research to confirm that information). I decided to have my original Alternator rebuilt at Roko (guys there are experienced with those imported parts). The total cost came to 430$ (new bearings: 62$ + rectifier: 76$ + regulator: 69$ + supplies: 12$ + labour: 165$). They told me that the reason for my alternator failing (failing rectifier and regulator) was most likely an old/damaged battery that would put too much resistance and stress on the alternator when trying to recharge it. So far the alternator is doing good with the new battery and voltage rises to 12.9V when running the car. I now just have a squeeking sound that comes from the alternator belt which seems a little loose and need to be re-tensionned.
Cost options summary from low to high:
New alternator with discount when returning old one: 390$
Rebuild original alternator: 430$
New alternator: 450$
To be noted that I have replaced myself (or should say a friend did it) the alternator, so extra labour cost would be added to do it at the garage. What I learn from this experience:
- Don't wait before replacing a battery if you know it's old and damaged;
- Alternator can be removed from under the car, but if you are new to it, it's worth removing the driver seat and do it from the top;
- You need to remove the main top bolt, belt tension bolt, oil feed line, oil vacuum line, electric input (disconnect battery first);
- Could be worth trying to replace the rectifier/regulator by yourself if you have the skills and can bench test the alternator;
That's about it,
Let me know if you have any questions, comments, find this useful or misleading (hopefully not!),
Thanks!
Sophie
I had read a thread about alternator rebuilt options in the US on this forum and though I would share my experience in BC, Canada, if that can help anyone!
I'm rather new to Delicas and mechanics in general; this thread might be useful to other new owners or wannabe mechanics.
The previous owner (and friend) of my 1992 L300 Delica reported alternator had been failing twice already and was replaced with used alternators from other Delicas for parts. When I purchased the car, the alternator died right away and I had the previous owner replace it again before taking the car. After a month driving the car in the Fall, temperatures lowered below freezing level and I started having trouble starting the car. I had to charge the battery with a charger. One day it completely lost power and would not start anymore even when trying to jumpstart. I first suspected the battery was the problem as it was really old and due. I replaced the battery with a new one, but noticed the voltage would still drop from 12.6V to below 12.0V once starting the car and the battery would just drain again. I then suspected the Alternator was the issue.
I considered buying a new Alternator but it's not easy to find this part around (could ship one from Rising Sun located in Victoria for 450$ + shipping or 390$ if I had sent my old alternator). I was told that having the alternator rebuilt could be a cheaper option. I brought my alternator to Roko Services in Vernon for a bench test and was told the cost would be near 400$. I was told that rebuilding the original alternator could be a more reliable option as new imported parts are often copies of lower quality (I haven't done much research to confirm that information). I decided to have my original Alternator rebuilt at Roko (guys there are experienced with those imported parts). The total cost came to 430$ (new bearings: 62$ + rectifier: 76$ + regulator: 69$ + supplies: 12$ + labour: 165$). They told me that the reason for my alternator failing (failing rectifier and regulator) was most likely an old/damaged battery that would put too much resistance and stress on the alternator when trying to recharge it. So far the alternator is doing good with the new battery and voltage rises to 12.9V when running the car. I now just have a squeeking sound that comes from the alternator belt which seems a little loose and need to be re-tensionned.
Cost options summary from low to high:
New alternator with discount when returning old one: 390$
Rebuild original alternator: 430$
New alternator: 450$
To be noted that I have replaced myself (or should say a friend did it) the alternator, so extra labour cost would be added to do it at the garage. What I learn from this experience:
- Don't wait before replacing a battery if you know it's old and damaged;
- Alternator can be removed from under the car, but if you are new to it, it's worth removing the driver seat and do it from the top;
- You need to remove the main top bolt, belt tension bolt, oil feed line, oil vacuum line, electric input (disconnect battery first);
- Could be worth trying to replace the rectifier/regulator by yourself if you have the skills and can bench test the alternator;
That's about it,
Let me know if you have any questions, comments, find this useful or misleading (hopefully not!),
Thanks!
Sophie