Alternator rebuild needed

def38 · Feb 28, 2018

MF 231S, 2003, made in Turkey. Inspecting the alternator shows that the copper slip ring assembly is worn away so badly the phenolic plastic base is showing...in other words, the copper has worn away.

I'm not sure of the alternator manufacturer (possibly Bosch or Marelli?) but local dealer advises that the slip ring p/n 1895348M1 is unavailable with no expected availability date.

Anybody know of an alternate source for the part?

Thanks in advance.

EddieWalker · Feb 28, 2018

My New Holland Dealer told me what a replacement alternator costs and then suggested that I have it rebuilt at one of the local rebuild shops. I didn't know about them, so he told me where they send their alternators and starters to. When I got there, the guy gave me a price to rebuild it, which was a lot less then my dealer quoted me to buy a new one, but then the guy at the rebuild shop told me that he had another brand that was better then the original one, and that was even cheaper to buy it brand new, then to have my old one rebuilt!!!

Maybe talk to another dealer, or a commercial equipment dealer, and ask if they use a shop to rebuild their stuff? Go in person, and talk face to face. That's how I get the best results.

ray66v · Mar 1, 2018

Definitely do as Eddie said, find a local rebuilder.

They don't always have a big sign out front, because they mostly do wholesale work. But, one may be nearby.

If not, make some calls, and ship it to someone.

def38 · Mar 1, 2018

EddieWalker said:
My New Holland Dealer told me what a replacement alternator costs and then suggested that I have it rebuilt at one of the local rebuild shops. I didn't know about them, so he told me where they send their alternators and starters to. When I got there, the guy gave me a price to rebuild it, which was a lot less then my dealer quoted me to buy a new one, but then the guy at the rebuild shop told me that he had another brand that was better then the original one, and that was even cheaper to buy it brand new, then to have my old one rebuilt!!!

Maybe talk to another dealer, or a commercial equipment dealer, and ask if they use a shop to rebuild their stuff? Go in person, and talk face to face. That's how I get the best results.

Now, that is one fine looking hog...

def38 · Mar 17, 2018

After further inspection I determined the alternator is a Lucas made in Turkey. I bit the bullet and bought a new one, ~$100.00. A rebuilt would have been about the same. Interesting, I determined that the v belt was OE with a date of 2002. It will be reused.

ray66v · Mar 18, 2018

Hope that works out for you.

Even a Chinese one, is probably better that a Lucas.

def38 · Mar 18, 2018

ray66v said:
Hope that works out for you.

Even a Chinese one, is probably better that a Lucas.

I grew up riding old Brit motorcycles (Triumphs, BSAs, Nortons, circa 1960) fitted with Lucas electrics. Some of the Lucas systems were + ground, the switches and wiring were pretty much junk and the alternator output was poorly regulated, routinely boiling batteries. Many Brit motorcycles of that era had holes in the battery box and missing paint on the frame area near the battery due to battery boilovers.

The problem with my M-F Lucas alternator is parts availability hence the decision to replace.

Our tractor alternators are subject to a lot of dirt and dust which eventually collects on and in the alternator causing overheating, erosion of the brushes and slip rings as well as possible heat failure of the regulator.

Most alternators for tractors of this size are of low output (50 amps or less) especially diesel powered machines (no ignition system and most of us don't work at night) My M-F will run for hours without any alternator output and I have been refilling the battery with a good battery charger (remember, a descent group 24 maintenance free battery is ~$100.00, a good charger is $35.00). So the M-F electrical system has been running as a total loss system (battery supplies all electrical needs without the benefit of alternator output).

I have decided to add some LED lights in the event that I work at night (when its cooler). And while LEDs draw very little power, the headlights are incandescent and total 110 watts or ~9 amps draw.

More to follow once I have the new alternator in hand and installed....stay tuned...this is gonna be exciting. :reading::

def38 · Mar 20, 2018

My new alternator is getting close. UPS tracking says it is spending the night in Montgomery, Alabama. I almost soiled myself.

Once I have it in hand, I'll let you all know about the quality just in case there are other alternators out there needing replacement.

Exciting ,eh? Don't go far, get the popcorn ready and stay tuned. :us-alabama: :wave:

def38 · Mar 21, 2018

UPS says my alternator is in Birmingham...might see it later today.

Aren't you folks excited? I am.:jump:

def38 · Mar 23, 2018

Well, you all missed it...the new alternator arrived with a celebration and appearance by the Crimson Tide marching band and cheer leaders. Nick Saban couldn't make it.

Alternator is installed and shows 14.18 volts at the battery, engine idling. So, we're done here.

73

def