Question about a 1969 alternator

[ebonyvette]

Fatherlarry

A friend of mine has a 1969 350/300, T Top Corvette. It's a standard 4 speed, no air, no power steering, and no power brakes. He took the alternator off and replaced the bearings himself, because they seemed to be making noise. Being he has it apart, should he replace the stator, brushes and diodes? It is charging good and never had a problem, except for the bearing noise, when it was cold. And what amp stator is in that alternator?

[fatherlarry]

Ebonyvette, actually, you should be Mike Kotze's section. I will add your post to his section.

I'll try to help you a little in the meantime, and Mike can clarify if I'm right or not.

In 1969 on a basic Corvette with no air and no accessories, it usually came through with a 45 amp stator. It is usually stamped on the boss side of the alternator. If the alternator is charging good and it's just the bearings, then I would recommend changing the bearings, and depending on how much wear is on the brushes, change them also. If the alternator is charging properly then just go for the bearings and brushes. The voltage regulator is internal in the alternator for that year. A lot of times if you buy a rebuilt unit, they will bench test it to see if it's putting out the right amount of voltage under a load and just replace what is needed.

You said it was charging properly. Did your friend check it under a load, meaning with lights, radio, heater blower on. I believe under a load it should be around 13.8 or so. You could check with Mike. Hope this helps, I'll move it to Mike.

[MKOTZE]

Hello Ebonyvette, As far as the alternator is concerned I would not replace the stator and diodes if it was working appropriately. The brushes are the only item that could be affected by wear other than the bearings which he is already replacing. The alternator was rated at 42 amps output at the factory. I hope this helps. Let us know how things turn out.:chevy: MKOTZE

[ebonyvette]

Thanks FatherLarry & Mike. I told my friend about the stamp on the alternator and he said it stated 55 amp. Maybe it's not the original alternator. I guess it doesn't make a difference. He replaced the brushes and bearings and the noise is gone. You guys are great. Thanks.:nod: :nod: