Need to get rid of Monster Alternator on 8V71. Who has parts I need?

[GM0406]

Hi,  I have an 8V71 by don't need the great big alternator on this original.  I would like to change over to a 150 amp belt driven unit.  Would like to know if anyone did it and especially if someone has an 871 take out that they are willing to sell the alternator conversion parts from.  Bill Thomas

[Lee Bradley]

I guess I would ask why?  The belt driven alternator is going to use more HP just to turn the belts and you have another maintenance item; adjusting and replacing belts. And the bigger alternator doesn't use more power than the 150 amp at the same electric load plus you have the reserve if you ever need it. But its your bus. Enjoy the ride.

[tekebird]

ditto, why go to the headache of fabrication a mount, getting everything lined up etc.  if what you got is working let it work.

[TomC]

The big Delco 50DN is really a work of engineering art.  It is completely sealed (no dirt problems), it is both lubricated and cooled by the engine oil, it has no brushes.  I had to replace mine-with a new regulator it was right at $1500.  Granted you can get a 130-160 amp truck type alternator for around $350.00, and then you have to make the mounting brackets and find the conversion kit to belt drive.  I like the 50DN-that's why I stayed with it even though it was expensive.  On my V drive engine I have NO belts.  The only two belts I have on the entire bus is one for the generator engine and one for the remote mounted generator radiator.  Good Luck, TomC

[Utahclaimjumper]

I replaced the diode sets in mine many years ago and thats the only maintinence its seen in many years, if it ain't broke don't fix it.>>>Dan

[Sojourner]

Is your large alternator 24v and want to change to 12v at 150a?

If so....you are asking more problem in the long run.
Reasons are:
1) 24v system is stronger & quicker cranking
2) All of what TomC quoted) and the rests
3) Already wired to be design for 24v

All future vehicles will be in the 42v range.

Hope your choice is in your best interest.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[Slow Rider]

Don't listen to these guys.  Box it up, send it to me and enjoy your new 150 amp alternator.   

Or, you could heed the advice of some very knowledgeable people....

Either way, it is your bus, do it your way....

Frank

PS: I will send shipping directions alter   

[Barn Owl]

Bill,

What is (or possibly by now was) your reason for wanting to make the change?

Laryn

[GM0406]

  Well,  Didn't think I would get such a response!!!  I understood that there can be problems with the drive on this unit.  I have an oil leak that may be coming from this unit, and I just thought that I didn't need the extra mass as I have been trying to eliminate any extra stuff I really don't need on the coach.  If these units can crash the gear drive train, I don't know if I really need that kind of a marig marall.  And if repairs are so expensive on these monster alternators, why would I want to be hung up in the middle of Nevada with a dead one?  Anyway, I trust Tom C. to any electrical issue and I am not about to get rid of this big unit if he and the rest of you knowldegable coach pilots disagree.  I guess I just need to be reassured that these things can't bomb the gears??  Bill Thomas

[roadrunnertex]

I have a P8M4905A with the 50DN oil cooled alternator.
And it's been a very trouble free unit.
I would never do a change over to a belt driven alternator that' asking for more trouble and work for what it's worth.
You can buy a "O" ring kit to seal up the oil leaks on these 50 DN's.
I bet Luke at US Coach can help you out with advise and the necessary parts.
jlv

[makemineatwostroke]

GM0406, the unit is not prone for many failures but when it does happen look out it will do the things you mention and when the gear train goes it is not a pretty sight.Cost the Bluewater Casino in Lake Havasu $23,000 for a engine for a nut coming loose( probably was never tight) on the alternator so do what you think is best for you to have peace of mind

[belfert]

Modern buses with the Series 60 no longer have a gear driven alternator.  A lot of buses still use the 50DN, but it is now belt driven.  The power steering pump, air compressor, and water pump are all gear driven on the Series 60.

I think you're putting a lot of effort into fixing a problem that only might happen.  You're still going to have other stuff that is gear driven.

[buswarrior]

Hello GM0406,

If it would give you piece of mind, pull the alternator to fix the oil leaks, and install a fresh drive gear.

The failures of drive gears and the resultant gear train damage are often a result of re-using drive gears that should not have been returned to service by unknowing or unscrupulous individuals. There are measurements you can take to check for wear on them, if you can find the tolerances in print somewhere. Big Transit had books full of pictures and diagrams about wearing out parts and whether it should be re-used or re-placed. I wish I had paid more attention earlier in life....

Remember the excuses the shady wrench turner uses: Blame the failure on the equipment user, the designer or some previous wrench turner. And then the story becomes Gospel.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[GM0406]

Ok, So I am going to bring this coach to the DD doctors when I get the '04 back.  I will have them listen to the engine and see if they feel that there is a need to deal with this alternator and gears.  I hear noises back there that I don't like.  One is a possible gear train noise, and the other is that 730 that wines like a siren until it warms up.  Noises and oil leaks really bother me and that is why I went after problems on the '04 like I am doing.  I think it will pay off as we found several problems and I am pretty confident that we have them all resolved now.  FWIW, the '04 has a belt driven alternator and the modified drive gear with pulley.  Seems to work fine and I just thought that this was a way to get rid of mass on the '06.  It also frees up a lot of room in the engine compartment on the '04.  I am not looking forward to a modification unless I can find all of the mounting hardware and gear-pulley setup from a take-out engine or from someone who has removed it.  Maybe I am worrying unecessarily over the weight of this alternator.  Does anyone know what it weighs?  Bill Thomas

[Gary '79 5C]

Me and my back remembers that the weight is about 100 - 125 lbs, Less than an 8D AGM battery. I replaced me alternator with Luke's reccomendation that if it goes on the road he knows exactly what I have VS a custom job that I may do.

Best of Luck on a Monday

Gary