Choosing a New Alternator

Stormcloud · 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

Melbo · 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

lostagain · 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

Stormcloud · 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.

lostagain · 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

Ed Hackenbruch · June 03, 2012, 04:56:44 PM

How much would it cost to rebuild it?

Geoff · 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

Stormcloud · 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

stevet903 · 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.kirksauto.com/

Lin · 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.

mikelutestanski · 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

Stormcloud · 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

Busted Knuckle · 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.

BK

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