Motorola Alternator Terminal Spins - Is it still ok?

[DL4567]

When removing my alternator to drill the tensioner hole bigger, the B+ cable terminal rotated in place when trying to remove the nut. After lots of headache and careful frustration, I finally got the nut to break free and removed the cable. The terminal post isn't super loose or anything, as I can't turn it with my fingers, but when wrenching the nut, it definitely turns the whole post.

Seems that it was like that before removal, and everything functioned fine, but if you were me would you re-install and keep using it? Can I tighten the post somehow? Is it supposed to be tight and not spin at all?

I researched the new DMCH and DeLoreango alternators, but don't want to spend $200+ if I don't have to. This one had no issue, and I only wanted to replace the belt and add an adjustable tensioner.


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[dmcnc]

It's fine. The B+ stud threads into the Diode Bridge (Rectifier). Just tighten it back down. you will need to put two wrenches on it to undo the nut whenever it loosens like that.

[dmcnc]

You may want to open the voltage regulator and inspect the potting. If it's dry/separating or worse - melting into goo - you want to replace before the potting melts into the brushes. It's relatively inexpensive.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/REGULATORS-TRANSPO-M5-765for-Motorola-Valeo-9BB-9BE-9FB-9FD-9FE-9AR-ALTERNATOR/263333886330?hash=item3d4fec397a:g:dtkAAOxyNDxRX1V u

[David T]

Looks like that alternator was rebuilt at some point in the past and the voltage regulator replaced. Certainly worth looking at while you have the alternator out. You really should try to get that stud to be as tight as you can. Take off the plastic cover. One screw and 2 tabs, one on each side. See why that stud is turning, it should not turn once tightened up tight.

[DL4567]

Thanks guys! I will definitely inspect both of those things tomorrow.

[Ron]

IIRC, some of the rebuilders replaced the plate that the stud goes through with a bolt and another nut to secure it to a plate v/s using splined/pressed in studs. If it doesn't have the thinner nut, it might be time to play with your soldering iron/gun to get to the back side of it -- You can do it...

[DL4567]

Once taking the plastic cover off, I saw exactly what you guys were talking about. There was no reason to panic, everything was fine and the threaded wire-attachment piece just needed tightening. It is now "gutenteit!"

I also checked the voltage regulator -- it looked fine inside, so some piece of mind there also.

After drilling the tensioner hole, (the whole purpose for this exercise), I even removed the mounting bracket for cleaning like the DMCH instructions suggest, but turns out it wasn't necessary. Was very clean at the 3 contact surfaces, unlike the oily fuzz on the rest of the piece. Oh well, I learned something in the process. The next lesson was how miserable it is to try to reinstall the alternator by yourself!! Haha, holy crap, you practically need a transmission jack while trying to get that damn hanger bolt to align. It's like holding up a bowling ball in one hand while threading a needle in the other. But I finally got it. And called it a night.

Tomorrow -- reattach the wiring, tension the belt, and then try to replace the pulley bearings for the AC belt. Hopefully no surprises there. (Never done it before)

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