Mi16 Alternator Options

[Stuey]

Hi guys,

My 405's alternator has finally packed it in...it's the Mitsubishi one, A3T 03298B 80 amp.

What are the options for replacement? Are there Bosch or Valeo's that fit?

Thanks

Stuey

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[addo]

Why not rebuild? Mine went fine with new brushes, reg and bearings. I changed one diode pack, probably without need.

[Stuey]

Yes, since posting, I've looked into it and probably will go down that path. I thought I'd have issues finding parts (brushes and regulator if required) but have found some sources. The bearings feel really good, so I may even carefully pop the seals and just add a little grease. I have a feeling I may even get away with just brushes - we'll see. There appeared to be so much negativity about the Mitsubishi I thought it was a forgone conclusion it needed replacement.

Out of interest, where did you buy your parts?

[addo]

For that one I bought from the auto elec suppliers in Sunshine (VIC). These days I buy offshore, Woodauto or CPE.

JAS-Oceania might be able to help with bits, too.

Don't forget to crack the pulley nut with a rattle gun while it's all still assembled.

[Stuey]

Yep, thanks, will do. The belt's being replaced, so I'll use that to clamp the pulley along with a pair of Mole grips.

Thanks for the help.

[Stuey]

Well, I ended up finding the proper (really good quality) brushes at the local auto electricians, Hooleys in Joondalup. Popped them in and the bearings were good so I carefully removed the seals and added a small amount of high temp grease. Got Hooleys to test the unit and it's working fine. Total cost five bucks, for the brushes. Bargain!

[pgti6]

Stuey, how did you manage to get the stator back in past the spring loaded brushes? I can't see any way to temporarily pull the brushes in to get necessary clearance (same Mitsi alternator).

[addo]

There is a hole; can't quite remember the details but think I used a stout paperclip bent straight. From memory across the face of the brushes, not through an intermediate retaining hole like some alternators.

There is a slightly raised boss with a central hole, on the alternator back. It's where you put the retainer in.

[Stuey]

Jeff, as alluded to by Addo, you use a piece of wire which actually passes through holes in the brushes (holes which will have been worn past on worn out brushes, so no longer exist, but are there on new brushes). There's a hole in the back of the casing which lines up with holes in the brushes. You push the brushes in and pass the wire through all the holes, and once the slip rings and stator are in, remove the wire and the brushes move back into place. BUT, this video is the best explanation rather than words...slightly different, but good enough.

Mitsubishi alternator repair / brush change. Fits Pajero, Kia,Pegeot and many more. - YouTube

And this is what the brushes look like:

http://www.aspwholesale.com/index.ph...productId=6547

If you need some I'm happy to go to my local and grab another set, assuming they have more.

[addo]

Interesting, think my brushes looked like that less the hole. They came integral with a replacement (aftermarket) reg/brush-holder.

[pgti6]

Thanks Stuey & Addo for solving my brushes conundrum!

Unit reassembled and ready for service.

[Stuey]

No worries Jeff. That was quick!

I was going to say for general info of others, instead of moving the windings out of the way to access the screws holding the diodes etc. as per that video (if you're removing the whole lot) just use an 8mm open ended spanner. It's a bit fiddly but easy enough. Of course, this is only if you want to remove all the gubbins. I did to clean out a load of oily dust.

And FYI for future reference of people searching, all Mitsubishi alternators from 1980 do NOT have the same size brushes as per a particular eBay seller! 'Ours' are ~5.5mm x ~6.5mm by ~20mm with around a 57mm lead length, like in the link.

[pgti6]

I need to point out that the alternator wasn't in need of brushes. In fact they were pretty good and a sticker on it showed that it had been serviced at least once in its life.

A few weeks ago I had a massive oil line failure which sprayed 6 litres of oil throughout the engine bay, flooding the alternator, brakes & tyres before depositing itself from the start/finish line all the way to Siberia (the corner, not the country). Needless to say it brought my day to an end after only 3 laps!

Anyway, I used a 35mm split pin opened up and pushed up through the hole to retain the brushes so I could re-fit the stator.

Good to know what type & where brushes can be sourced.

Thanks.