Red Alternator Charging Light lazy

[Stealaway]

At the end of last year I noticed the red charging/alternator light was slow to go out.
I was told by a mate that you can change the voltage regulator and brushes in situ - really??
Let have a go then ------- He's no longer a mate!

It can be done - but it took best part of 3 hours and much swearing.

The regulator was £28 from Ebay. -https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOSCH-Alternator-regulators-F-00M-144-128/192098356965?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
I took a photo of it to check the number, it can be seen. My 2012 ducato one was - F 00M 144 128

The alternator is quite deep down the back of the engine block on the left.
There is a plug, easily seen, that first needs removing.
There are two mate nuts and a m6 phillips screw holding the plastic cover that masks two of the phillips screws in the regulator. There is a mate nut holding the red /live cable. I pushed a piece of hose over this when it was loose to stop it from shorting. (I couldn't be bothered to get to the battery and disconnect it).
The voltage regulator and brush holder is held on by 3 x m4 phillips screws.
The brushes were worn but not seriously and this van has done 45K miles

The light now goes off immediately and I have a slight increase in charging voltage - all good and worth doing. I imagine a garage would take the alternator off and simply replace it for a bit more than £28.

Selection of tools needed - long 13mm sockets and short phillips screwdrivers.
The led extending mirror was very handy - £4.99 Ebay.

 

[Stealaway]

There are two mate nuts and a m6 phillips screw holding the plastic cover that masks two of the phillips screws in the regulator. There is a mate nut

God old spell checker - Those 'mates' are 8mm nuts- 13mm nut size.

Does anyone have any problems with the alternator belt? Mine looks perfect on the outside and I know it has an automatic tensioner.
How long are they expected to last?

 

[Lenny HB]

Well done, I bet at a main dealer no change out of 300 quid.

 

[tonyidle]

God old spell checker - Those 'mates' are 8mm nuts- 13mm nut size.

Does anyone have any problems with the alternator belt? Mine looks perfect on the outside and I know it has an automatic tensioner.
How long are they expected to last?

Normally change the belt at cambelt intervals. Should be shown in the service schedule. They do seem to last a very long time.

 

[pappajohn]

God old spell checker - Those 'mates' are 8mm nuts- 13mm nut size.

Just for information.
It isn't the spillchucker, it's the forum software to prevent people using phonetext speak.
You typed M 8 (without the space)... PhoneText speak for 'mate' so the software changed it to mate

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Wagoneer]

You've given me inspiration to have another go at replacing my voltage regulator on a 2010 Fiat Ducato. Many thanks for the pics and description.

My first attempt failed when the m6 phillips screw wouldn't budge (on the cover). Think i may have buggered up the head cos it's difficult to get any force behind the screwdriver or even ratchet wrench. Think I might end up having to drill the head out.

As you say, the alternator is in a very difficult position so can understand it taking 3 hours and a lot of cussing to finish the job.

 

[tonyidle]

Just for information.
It isn't the spillchucker, it's the forum software to prevent people using phonetext speak.
You typed M 8 (without the space)... PhoneText speak for 'mate' so the software changed it to mate

Then it's very silly. The correct way to describe an 8mm fastener (or drill) is M 8 without the space.

 

[tonyidle]

You've given me inspiration to have another go at replacing my voltage regulator on a 2010 Fiat Ducato. Many thanks for the pics and description.

My first attempt failed when the m6 phillips screw wouldn't budge (on the cover). Think i may have buggered up the head cos it's difficult to get any force behind the screwdriver or even ratchet wrench. Think I might end up having to drill the head out.

As you say, the alternator is in a very difficult position so can understand it taking 3 hours and a lot of cussing to finish the job.

Would it not be more quickly and easily done by removing the alternator?

 

[Stealaway]

Would it not be more quickly and easily done by removing the alternator?

Never even considered it - but I don't have a ramp and I don't think I could reach high enough laying on the floor.

 

[Reallyretired]

Definitely saved yourself a few bob. I've just had one (not on a MH) replaced by a garage and the part alone was £250, total bill with VAT £400+

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[tonyidle]

Never even considered it - but I don't have a ramp and I don't think I could reach high enough laying on the floor.

I wasn't a criticism - I wondered if there was any reason it couldn't be removed. Not having arms like a gorilla seems to be a good reason ................. .