[W126 Coupe] Alternator Success!!

[Mike R.]

I put a set of dual electric fans on my 560SEL as a precursor to putting a
set on the 570SEC. The fans did the trick by keeping the engine and AC
condenser cool during Las Vegas summers, but the alternator never did like
it. I went through a couple of alternators and got tired of it. Turns out
that a standard W126 alternator (SEC variant) is an 85 amp unit. A 100 amp
alternator exists as a heavy duty unit. Neither one liked the 30 amp dual
electric fans. I decided to go a non-MB route.

I now have a custom 140-amp alternator from Nellis Auto Starters &
Alternators (NASA) here in Vegas. He took a Delco alternator, put on a
different front plate, a V-pulley, and a different voltage regulator. The
front plate is very close to the MB mounting configuration, the Delco
mounting bosses are 51mm wide vs. the 56mm MB mounts. The Delco mounting
holes are 13mm closer than the MB ones but are the same size holes. Turns
out the adjustment plate on the MB needed to be whittled a little to clear
the new alternator. Please let me know if you need the details on that since
my initial goal was to get the new alternator mounted and running. It's not
hard to modify, I just haven't measured it yet. I used a 5mm thick washer to
shim the Delco into the MB mounts. The Delco takes a single wire to operate.
I folded the small 20 gauge wire from the MB alternator back on itself and
put some heat shrink on it, then tucked it into the wiring at the
alternator. The large wire from the MB alternator dropped right on the Delco
alternator. The alternator was $195 (plus tax for NV folks). It took me
about an hour to do the installation, including carving on the MB sheet
metal mount (the piece with the 17mm adjusting bolt). With a little bit of
help, it's likely this a 30-45 minute job to R&R the alternator. I have
14.35 VDC at an idle with everything running!! Woooo Hoooo!!

Tony of NASA has enough parts on hand to make three more of these right now,
and can get more of the parts. I'm done with Bosch alternators - I'll put
one my new-to-me SEC as soon as I can.

Nellis Auto Starters & Alternators
1105 N. Nellis Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89110
(702) 452-4040
 
Later,
Mike R
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