oddball
Dedicated LVC Member
Hi, my name is Oddball and I'm an addict. If there's a harder or more expensive way to do something, I'm there.
This is for Gen 1 V8 ONLY
This is a PCM controlled alt with AS-RC-LI signals. That means the PCM has direct control over the field current, and hence output. I'm sure the regulator limits max voltage, but it clearly doesn't override the PCM if the output is low.
My Napa reman finally gave out after 4 years, and I've never rebuilt a modern alternator, so what the heck, right? Can't be that hard. The brushes were completely worn down and the slip ring had massive cuts in it.
Finding parts for modern alts is surprisingly hard. The source I ended up using was aspwholesale.com since they have a good lookup engine and actually have stuff in stock.
The v8 alternator is XW4Z-10346-BA
Interesting parts:
Transpo # Desc
F601HD Regulator and brush holder
FR6073 Rectifier
There's a nice tech sheet on the regulator out there: http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/alb...6G_PCM_Controlled_Alternators_WAI_Transpo.pdf
I found it interesting that all the reman alts only map to the Gen 1 LS and the Thunderbird, but I can't find any unique component. Rectifiers are the same for a given amperage and generation, and the regulator maps to a lot of OEM parts. I assume it's only some subtle OEM difference, but I don't follow why the aftermarket doesn't cross-reference their alts to more applications. All the other parts - case, hardware, stator, rotor - are normal 6G small case 110 amp parts.
The alt is a normal small case 6G, so any of the multitude of writeups and videos on rebuilding those work fine. Rebuild procedure is very simple - there aren't many parts. Nothing special about assembly of these units. So far I'm running well after a week.
Due to hilarious mistakes on my part, I ended up just building an alt from scratch with their parts. Yes, this is more expensive than most remans, but not as expensive as a Motorcraft unit. The slip ring on their rotor looks to have a very thin copper coating with aggressive ridges, while the replacement slip ring they sell has a very beefy ring that is very smooth.
The net of this: If you're a little brave, then you can rebuild an alternator yourself. I would generally get the rebuild kit (regulator and bearings) plus a slip ring. $55 and you'll most likely be back in business. Note that replacing the slip ring is surprisingly finicky.
This is for Gen 1 V8 ONLY
This is a PCM controlled alt with AS-RC-LI signals. That means the PCM has direct control over the field current, and hence output. I'm sure the regulator limits max voltage, but it clearly doesn't override the PCM if the output is low.
My Napa reman finally gave out after 4 years, and I've never rebuilt a modern alternator, so what the heck, right? Can't be that hard. The brushes were completely worn down and the slip ring had massive cuts in it.
Finding parts for modern alts is surprisingly hard. The source I ended up using was aspwholesale.com since they have a good lookup engine and actually have stuff in stock.
The v8 alternator is XW4Z-10346-BA
Interesting parts:
Transpo # Desc
F601HD Regulator and brush holder
FR6073 Rectifier
There's a nice tech sheet on the regulator out there: http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/alb...6G_PCM_Controlled_Alternators_WAI_Transpo.pdf
I found it interesting that all the reman alts only map to the Gen 1 LS and the Thunderbird, but I can't find any unique component. Rectifiers are the same for a given amperage and generation, and the regulator maps to a lot of OEM parts. I assume it's only some subtle OEM difference, but I don't follow why the aftermarket doesn't cross-reference their alts to more applications. All the other parts - case, hardware, stator, rotor - are normal 6G small case 110 amp parts.
The alt is a normal small case 6G, so any of the multitude of writeups and videos on rebuilding those work fine. Rebuild procedure is very simple - there aren't many parts. Nothing special about assembly of these units. So far I'm running well after a week.
Due to hilarious mistakes on my part, I ended up just building an alt from scratch with their parts. Yes, this is more expensive than most remans, but not as expensive as a Motorcraft unit. The slip ring on their rotor looks to have a very thin copper coating with aggressive ridges, while the replacement slip ring they sell has a very beefy ring that is very smooth.
The net of this: If you're a little brave, then you can rebuild an alternator yourself. I would generally get the rebuild kit (regulator and bearings) plus a slip ring. $55 and you'll most likely be back in business. Note that replacing the slip ring is surprisingly finicky.