BCM Community

Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Stormcloud on June 03, 2012, 12:17:34 PM

Title: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: Stormcloud on June 03, 2012, 12:17:34 PM
While the engine and transmission are out, now is the perfect time to replace the belt-driven, air-cooled DN50.

The coach is still 24 volt, and although I don't have the factory air anymore, I still use the factory OTR heat and large blowers that came with the bus. We live in Canada, and need it at times!

I am thinking of something along the lines of this:

eBay   160814110225

I have a separate 12 volt alternator for the house batteries, so this one is strictly for coach use.

Whaddaya think??

Mark
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: Melbo on June 03, 2012, 03:56:15 PM
Mark be careful when you start to change things like that. With the DN50 on the 8V71 everything worked as planned. When I had my L10 put in there was a new alternator with the electronic voltage regulator -- It didn't get along with my isolator that I had installed. I am on the third voltage regulator. I just removed the isolator and went with a solenoid to do my charging hoping to solve the problem. I'm sure there are pros and cons to every change out like that but I am always afraid of letting the "smoke" out and losing some high dollar item.

HTH

YMMV

Melbo
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: lostagain on June 03, 2012, 04:11:48 PM
Mark, what's wrong with the belt driven DN50? That's what I have at the back of the 6V92 in my 5C, and it has never given me trouble.

JC
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: Stormcloud on June 03, 2012, 04:24:51 PM
There may be nothing wrong with the alternator. I use the 'R' terminal on it to obtain a tach signal, and the signal bounces the tach all over the place. I have been told this may be caused by a bad diode.

So.....do I replace diode and bearings and re-use it, or do I install a smaller all-in-one alternator that is already rebuilt? I have no idea the history of my bus prior to my purchase. The alternator and regulator may be old as dirt.

Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: lostagain on June 03, 2012, 04:35:48 PM
Keep in mind that a different alternator might involve fabricating new bracket, easier said than done, BTDT.

JC
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: Ed Hackenbruch on June 03, 2012, 04:56:44 PM
How much would it cost to rebuild it?
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: Geoff on June 03, 2012, 05:25:00 PM
105 amps @ 24v is not bad, and at a good price.  I would buy it.  I replaced my 50DN with a 42 amp@24v alternator, and a 160 amp 12v alternator.

--Geoff


Quote from: Stormcloud on June 03, 2012, 12:17:34 PM
While the engine and transmission are out, now is the perfect time to replace the belt-driven, air-cooled DN50.

The coach is still 24 volt, and although I don't have the factory air anymore, I still use the factory OTR heat and large blowers that came with the bus. We live in Canada, and need it at times!

I am thinking of something along the lines of this:

eBay   160814110225

I have a separate 12 volt alternator for the house batteries, so this one is strictly for coach use.

Whaddaya think??

Mark

Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: Stormcloud on June 03, 2012, 06:10:30 PM
The last alternator I had repaired (3 weeks ago) was $70 plus parts, about $130 total.

The DN50 works and charges, but it's old. I'm thinking a new/rebuilt one makes more sense.

BTW, can the DN50 be reconfigured to generate 12 volt??

Mark
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: stevet903 on June 04, 2012, 06:18:24 AM
Elreg or Kirk's Auto could probably answer any questions you have about 50DNs and supply whatever parts are needed

http://www.elreg.com/templates/rhuk_milkyway/PDF/TRANSIT2FORWEB.pdf (http://www.elreg.com/templates/rhuk_milkyway/PDF/TRANSIT2FORWEB.pdf)

http://www.kirksauto.com/ (http://www.kirksauto.com/)
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: Lin on June 04, 2012, 09:33:25 AM
I think a rebuilt 50dn cost in the area of $600.  You might find a deal on Ebay.  Have you spoken to anyone at a good alternator shop.  They might be able to tell you what your current one needs and give a  good kprice.
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: mikelutestanski on June 04, 2012, 12:33:34 PM
Hello:      I had the air cooled alternator in my mci 7 when the 8V71 was installed. My tach was hooked up to the R terminal and worked fine.  From the manual:   Delco model 1117675  28V, 225 amps, negative ground , approximate RPMs 3000.
    When I replaced the motor with a Cummins L10 the alternator was oil cooled 275 amp 50Dn..   I have had problems with that alternator twice so it is history.  My new alternator is air cooled 24Volt 70 amp.   It is a WPS model 8003N with an 8 groove pulley (Cummins flat belt type).  I just ordered a spare for the bus.  Alternator plus pulley plus shipping $260.The pulley is 40 bucks .  ANyway that alternator would require modifications to your mount bracket. 
     If you use the original heater fans the  motor is 1 Horsepower and pulls 40 amps or so on high speed. Whilst running during the night 70 amps may not be enough for your bus. 
  I removed the original heating and AC systems.. Heating for me is a webasto and cooling is roof airs (when parked)  and a dash air system of my own design whilst running.   

Anyway FWIW   
      Regards   mike 
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: Stormcloud on June 04, 2012, 12:40:39 PM
I'm going to check on the repair at the local shop.  I will have to make a decision shortly to repair or replace, cause the engine is only out for a weeek or 10 days.

Mark
Title: Re: Choosing a New Alternator
Post by: Busted Knuckle on June 04, 2012, 05:57:54 PM
I was just checking out a sales flyer I got from Setra a while back for "clearance items" and it showed a 24V 140 Amp Leece-Neville for $398.
(now the sale add showed it was good until 03/31/12, but I'd bet if they still have any they'll still sell them @ that price!)

Call Dustin @ 1-336-878-3639 an tell him Bryce fro Lakeside Travel told ya to call!
1277640........T1 ALTERNATOR 24V/ 140 LEECE-NEVILLE....... $398.95

I have no connection to these and stand to gain nothing by passing on this info, but if it helps anyone out, it makes me happy to do so.
;D  BK  ;D

BTW these are new, and no core required so you can use you old one for whatever ya need or want to.