[Dorchester]

Hello to all.
My alternator is working but remains a bit weak (13.5 V in charge) despite I've swapped the brush. My mechanic told me the track was rather worn.
And mind that I've already bought previously a so-called good used alternator: actually it was worn.
So I'm fed up and I don't want to gamble any more.
So I want to find not a good used one but a new one.
At Rimmer's there's none so no reference.
Which was the precise Rover original reference?
Which brand should I choose to keep full compatibility?
How many Amp? 55?
Any other useful informations?
Thanks a lot.

[g259fsg]

Does it look like this? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305338476251 ... R57Ws5D2Yw. This is the type used on my 214 GSi. The equivalent is Lucas LRA463 or A127. If you search on these numbers you should find suitable replacements. I think NAPA are an OK make. If you've replaced the brushes, then that comes with the regulator. The low (weak) voltage could be a fault in the rectifier assembly. The rectifiers are the most common fault on alternators I believe. If you are replacing the brushes, check the state of the slip rings.

[crepello]

I think the 'worn track' Dorchester reports may be the slip rings. These are obtainable as
service parts, and are straightforward to replace if you can solder.

[Dorchester]

Thank you.
Which year is your 214Gsi ?
I'll compare mine with the one in the pic of your link when back home.

[g259fsg]

It's a 1990 214GSi. Think your car uses the same alternator, a Lucas A127 type. These are readily available, as are spare parts, for example https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... r&_sacat=0. Over the years I've had a number of alternator faults, most of which have been the rectifier module. The stator supplies three-phase AC which is rectified by six power diodes. If one of these is faulty, the voltage will be lower and the max current reduced. Typically this is around 70 amps. The rectifier module also contains a diode trio assembly of three lower-current diodes which supply the regulator and the rotor current through the slip rings. If this is faulty, you may get high voltages up to 16v and above, and the warning light will be on or dimly lit. Again this would be fixed by replacing the rectifier module, which is not too difficult if you can do soldering. I found this video helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXskIlxbt-w&t=24s

[g259fsg]

I've also found it reassuring to monitor the alternator/battery voltage with a plug-in voltmeter which goes in the cigarette socket, such as this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335286812819 ... R_be_dP2Yw

[Mr Teddy Bear]

My experience is that the same part number alternator comes in different fitments, plus you need a heat shield over the back, otherwise it gets fried by the exhaust down pipe. Ford used the same.

I would get one of yours rebuilt by a comp' auto electrician.

[Dorchester]

Thank you all for your enlightening suggestions.
I've got already a small double usb device plugged into the cigar lighter socket which gives me voltage, amp & temperature (but doesn't do a coffee! ).
Anyway I don't want to bother soldering or fiddling with bits and pieces. BTW mechanics nowadays are not very keen to a makeshift job as well.
Buying every piece which might be faulty (including shipping fees & custom charges) in the end will be as expensive as buying a reliable alternator new.
My mind is nearly done.

[g259fsg]

Regarding the heat shield, if this is fitted to the current unit, you should be able to transfer it to the new one. On my car it's attached to the cable. If the unit on your car is the A127 type, the only fitment variation I've seen is that the bottom lug is sometimes threaded and others have a clearance hole for attaching belt adjusting mechanism. My car needs a clearance hole so I just drilled out the thread. Also you need a unit with the three spade Bosch connector.

[Dorchester]

Is it exactly the same A127 type in your 1990 214 Gsi and in my 1994 214i cabby? I assume it is but I feel unsure...

EDIT: How silly I'm! I'd taken a pic of mine I've just found out. The reference written on it is:
Magneti Marelli DRA3286 (which is a ref. of Delco Remy).
Googling upon compatibility I see: Rover YLE10025 and Lucas LRB00128.