The 50D Alternator strikes again

luvrbus · January 09, 2021, 10:28:16 AM

I hate those alternators just a picture of a small amount of damage one can cause,this one is going to need some serious TLC and money,any one have a 8v92 take out from a MCI that is rebuildable for sale ?

Van · January 09, 2021, 10:53:47 AM

A little to late for Denture adhesive now I guess, what a shame.

richard5933 · January 09, 2021, 11:18:36 AM

Contact Interstate Power in Butler WI. They bought a few dozen used DD 2-stroke engines year before last. Not sure if they were for parts or to resell.

luvrbus · January 09, 2021, 11:28:16 AM

Quote from: richard5933 on January 09, 2021, 11:18:36 AM
Contact Interstate Power in Butler WI. They bought a few dozen used DD 2-stroke engines year before last. Not sure if they were for parts or to resell.

Thanks but I do not want a military surplus engine I have those too

chessie4905 · January 09, 2021, 04:32:27 PM

Can you still get the gear that goes on the alternator?

luvrbus · January 09, 2021, 04:39:25 PM

Quote from: chessie4905 on January 09, 2021, 04:32:27 PM
Can you still get the gear that goes on the alternator?

They should still be around have you tried Kirks in Detroit MI

Van · January 09, 2021, 05:03:51 PM

FYI A place up my way still does full rebuilds on the 12 or 24 50DN's.

chessie4905 · January 09, 2021, 06:45:28 PM

Thanks, I'll try them. I found a nos cup gear.

Brassman · January 09, 2021, 07:09:39 PM

Bet that bent a few valves. How are the cylinders?

Scott & Heather · January 11, 2021, 04:01:17 AM

And this is why I switched to a small belt driven 24v unit. No more sleepless nights.

windtrader · January 11, 2021, 07:34:43 PM

I swear Clifford owns the shop that rebuilds and sells these things. Have you ever wondered why he seems to be the only one that always ends up with broken engines due to the 50dn?

neoneddy · January 11, 2021, 10:34:56 PM

I replaced my 50dn before I knew the dangers of keeping the gear driven.

I figure if it grenades I'll try and stuff a series 50 in the MC9.

Nova Eona · January 11, 2021, 11:33:39 PM

What's the catastrophic failure rate on these things? I've heard of them occasionally causing big trouble, but I always figured that was a pretty small minority of them. Any warning signs to watch out for or things to check?

richard5933 · January 12, 2021, 04:39:51 AM

Quote from: Nova Eona on January 11, 2021, 11:33:39 PM
What's the catastrophic failure rate on these things? I've heard of them occasionally causing big trouble, but I always figured that was a pretty small minority of them. Any warning signs to watch out for or things to check?

I was told by one of the techs at one of the suppliers for commercial fleets that these alternators are considered a regular maintenance item, and that commercial operator pull & rebuild them at regular intervals (Not sure of my memory, but I think he said every 100,000).

It would seem that if a person is converting a coach which has lots of miles on it, replacing the 50DN at the start of the process would be a good idea if the mileage on it is unknown. If it's known that it was replaced/rebuilt recently, then the remaining miles on it are likely more than will be driven for a long time for most of us.

chessie4905 · January 12, 2021, 05:38:24 AM

I guess it comes down exactly what is failing. My guess would be the front bearing. Since AC Delco upgraded the oiling and bearing assembly on it, I would say that was the reason for failures. If so, then thats what needs done to end the issues. After all, they were used on tens of thousands of busses and coaches.
I think there was an AC Delco service bulletin that directed any owners to go to Clifford for repairs.😁