need 246 Dino alternator / VR rebuild in LA area | FerrariChat
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need 246 Dino alternator / VR rebuild in LA area

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Pantdino, Dec 17, 2010.

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  1. Pantdino

    Pantdino Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2004
    2,069
    Full Name:
    Jim
    #1 Pantdino, Dec 17, 2010
    Looks like the voltage regulator in the alternator on my 246 is failing / has failed.

    Anyone know of a good alternator rebuild shop near Huntington Beach / Long Beach / Buena Park, CA?

    I can pull the part and just take it there.

    Thanks,

    Jim
     
  2. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
    9,294
    CHNDLR
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    Scott
    #2 synchro, Dec 26, 2010
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2010
    Shops usually like to diagnose both the alternator and the regulator together, but removing the alt in the Dino can be an "involving" process (lengthy post on how to remove the Dino Alt http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=187951).

    Why not test the regulator first?
    Here's a thread on how It did it with mine
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193757

    These are $15 devices and very accesible.

    If you do have to rebuild your original alternator, you might consider what I did, going to a solid state Volt Regulator. I've also found NOS Marelli alternators for the Fiat 124 at $250 which directly mount up and have the solid state Voltage regulators mounted on them. Direct replacement, fits all original physical mounting points and just requires a single jumper wire.
    Here's how I did it:
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268373



    .
     
  3. Pantdino

    Pantdino Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2004
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    #3 Pantdino, Dec 27, 2010
    I found that old thread, and thanks for the advice.
    I assumed that the VR was built into the alternator, as all are today.

    Fortunately, I was wrong and I think the easily accessible VR in the front trunk area is bad.

    Now I'm sourcing one

    Thanks,

    Jim
     
  4. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
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    #4 synchro, Dec 28, 2010
    It is a simple electromagnetic switch with mechanical contacts that either provides voltage (or no voltage) to the alternator's field coil.
    Here's exactly how to test it and how to clean those mechanical contacts which can be a cause on Ammeter flicker.
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193757

    Hope this helps!

    After doing this and if you're still unsure of the system, connect a voltmeter across the battery terminals and start the Dino. At idle you should see a low voltage, say 12-13V or so as you don't have much charging ability at low RPM's. Upon accelerating to the 3,000-4,000 RPM range you should notice the voltage increase to the 14V or so range. This will give you a much better idea if the system is charging than reading the instrument gauges.
     
  5. dino clay

    dino clay Karting

    Oct 31, 2007
    185
    san mateo, cal
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    clay cavanaugh
    #5 dino clay, Dec 28, 2010
    NOT THAT EASY TO REMOVE ALT. I HAD TO REMOVE THE HEAT EXCHANGER AND ONE COOLANT PIPE AND SNEAK IT OUT BETWEEN THE EX PIPES THRU THE FENDER WELL. DOABLE WITH A LITTLE CAREFUL PATIENCE. '71 EURO MODEL. MIGHT BE HARDER FOR LATER US VERSIONS
    CLAY
     
  6. Pantdino

    Pantdino Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2004
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    #6 Pantdino, Dec 28, 2010
    I agree. I put the car on stands and took out the fender liner, only to find that I could barely touch the bolt heads with my fingertips. That was the end of my desire to do that job myself.

    The funny thing is I'm pretty sure I had that alternator rebuilt about 20 yrs ago and don't recall any huge labor bill for it.

    Fortunately, it's the VR that is bad rather than the alternator.
     
  7. Pantdino

    Pantdino Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2004
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    #7 Pantdino, Dec 28, 2010
    You are right-- I got 14.2v at 2K rpm at the battery terminal on the VR without the headlights on, but it dropped and didn't recover with them on.
    I've been continuing this issue on the 206/246 board:

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=282157&page=2

    thanks for your input
     
  8. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
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    #8 synchro, Dec 30, 2010
    Dead on right. Mine was not even a model with A/C.
    Typing in ALL CAPS emphasizes the effort (& grief) needed.
     

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