Help with Delco 50DN oil cooled belt drive alternator

[Brian Diehl]

I bought a used belt drive 50DN oil cooled alternator when I did my repower in 2007.  I was replacing a belt and checked the alternator.  It was apparent the bearings were not in good shape.  I took it in and got new bearings put on it.  After everything was said and done the bearings and other things required cost $500.  When I went to put it back on I had a problem with the helicoil thread repair that had been done at some point in the past before I got the alternator.  I didn't get the bolt in far enough before I put torque on it and it pulled part of the helicoil out.  The helicoil is on the bolt down on the aluminum part of the case.  There really is no way to drill and tap a bigger bolt in.  However, I can't get the helicoil back in either.  I think the alternator really should be bolted down at all 4 corners to handle the loads and vibration put on it.  So, I'm wondering if anyone has a used 50DN center case - the aluminum part of the case?  I will try and get a new helicoil tomorrow and see if I can get that in, but I think a replacement case is probably the better way to go if I can find one used.  Anyone have one?

Thanks!

[Zeroclearance]

Brian;

I think that you are talking about the stator.   It's one piece (center).   Have you looked into "time certs"   Instead of helicoils that break and come out, the timecerts will not.   It is a solid steel bushing with threads  OD and ID..

Back to the stator, you can get a brand new one.   There is a updated design from Delco Remy.   You can also call the folks in Michigan the large Kirk Auto Napa....  They have alot of parts for the 50DN.   

Kevin

[Tenor]

I have one Brian. Bearings and splined shaft are toast. It's yours if you want it. Just have to figure out how to get it! 

Glenn

[bevans6]

If a helicoil has failed, put a solid insert in.  You don't need special taps, just drill oversize, tap, spin it in, it locks solid and you have a very good repair.

Brian

[Sam 4106]

Hi Brian,

I am at a Pioneers rally near Jordan, MN and visited with Ed Baumer. He has two 12V 50 DN oil cooled gear drive alternators off an 8V71. I don't know if yours is 12V or 24V or if there is a difference in the stators but if one of Ed's will work he is easy to deal with and he lives near Hutchinson, MN. His cell phone number is 612-868-4720.

Good Luck, Sam

[Brian Diehl]

I will check into the "time certs", but the biggest issue is having enough aluminum left to hold the insert.  The reason the hole was helicoiled in the past, or so my theory is, is because it was not bolted down correctly and and something happened to cause part of the aluminum housing around the threads to break off.  So, one side of the hole has only half the thread depth left while the other side has the full thread depth.  Also, these are very shallow holes to begin with and do not pierce the alternator.  I'm not sure I could drill out and screw in a "timecert", but will definitely look into it.

I have one Brian. Bearings and splined shaft are toast. It's yours if you want it. Just have to figure out how to get it! 

Glenn

Wow Glenn, this IS great news!.  Is yours a pad mount (belt drive)?  If so, do you have it apart so we could just ship the center housing?  It should be a lot lighter this way!

Hi Brian,

I am at a Pioneers rally near Jordan, MN and visited with Ed Baumer. He has two 12V 50 DN oil cooled gear drive alternators off an 8V71. I don't know if yours is 12V or 24V or if there is a difference in the stators but if one of Ed's will work he is easy to deal with and he lives near Hutchinson, MN. His cell phone number is 612-868-4720.

Good Luck, Sam

Sam, I have a 24v belt drive alternator.  I still have my old 24v gear drive alternator off the old detroit and the center housings are different.  Atleast with my gear drive alternator the case in mounting pads in the housing don't exist.  Maybe his are different?  Also, I wouldn't want to buy a complete used alternator to just get the center housing as my alternator is now fully refurbished.

[Tenor]

Sent you a photo to your yahoo account

[Tenor]

Email bounces back.

[Boomer]

12 and 24V stators are not interchangeable.