Can a 50DN leak oil from a weep hole?

belfert · September 07, 2020, 04:40:48 PM

It appears my 50DN is leaking oil from a weep hole. Is this possible? My mechanic friend thought maybe an internal oil seal has gone bad.

What would be a good source for a replacement 50DN if I need one? I don't really have time to change things around for a different alternator at the moment.

chessie4905 · September 07, 2020, 05:08:44 PM

Check with Luke for seal and required work to replace. Is yours gear drive?

belfert · September 07, 2020, 07:15:45 PM

Mine is belt drive.

luvrbus · September 08, 2020, 07:07:51 AM

Kirk's Automotive Electric in Detroit will rebuild it or exchange it,if the return line gets a little build up inside they will leak because the level goes up

chessie4905 · September 08, 2020, 07:47:03 AM

If it is a removable line, maybe he could check for restriction, by disconnecting at engine return and hold a container under it. If it flows good, get seal replaced or replace it. If not, clean line and hole at fitting and see if it flows then. Maybe seal will stop leaking. Could get lucky.

belfert · September 08, 2020, 04:38:38 PM

My bus is at the shop getting the chassis lubed and checked over. The shop apparently found a bolt or something missing on the 50DN that was causing an oil leak.

I was planning to order a rebuilt from Kirk's if the 50DN was broken. Cost was quoted at $675 including freight. $100 core charge.

chessie4905 · September 08, 2020, 06:41:33 PM

Good news!

belfert · September 09, 2020, 01:08:03 PM

The service advisor at the shop convinced me to get a rebuilt alternator. He couldn't guarantee the work they did would stop the oil leak for long. I don't really want to be 2,000 miles from home trying to jury rig a way to keep the batteries charged to keep my electronic engine and lights working. He said the Kirk's alternators are junk and most bus companies bought a couple and find out the hard way. This guy has been good to me and I don't think he is just trying to sell me one of his 50DN alternators.

I am going to install the alternator myself to save the $250 for the shop to install it. The shop only keeps like one 50DN on the shelf these days as the buses they service are mostly using other alternators these days.

luvrbus · September 09, 2020, 02:40:18 PM

Quote from: belfert on September 09, 2020, 01:08:03 PM
The service advisor at the shop convinced me to get a rebuilt alternator. He couldn't guarantee the work they did would stop the oil leak for long. I don't really want to be 2,000 miles from home trying to jury rig a way to keep the batteries charged to keep my electronic engine and lights working. He said the Kirk's alternators are junk and most bus companies bought a couple and find out the hard way. This guy has been good to me and I don't think he is just trying to sell me one of his 50DN alternators.

I am going to install the alternator myself to save the $250 for the shop to install it. The shop only keeps like one 50DN on the shelf these days as the buses they service are mostly using other alternators these days.

Never had a problem with Kirks but IT'S been a while since I bought a 50D.I know Jefferson sold Kirks alternators and again they were all 12V air cooled or oil cooled

Busted Knuckle · September 10, 2020, 03:24:49 AM

Brian I am with Clifford on this I never had any problems with Kirk's alternators.
But then again I didn't buy or use as many as C&J either. (that is the shop you still use isn't it?)

But to be honest it was one of Kirk's guys that talked me into buying the parts needed to rebuild mine from them.
First time he suggested I buy the whole rebuild kit and rebuild the whole thing to familiarize myself with one, then after that he suggested now that I knew the way they were built to crack it open and replace what was needed. Saved me A LOT of $ in the long run doing it that way afterwards!

BK