Alternator question

[MAURICE]

Hi
I recently purchased a sterling alternator regulator and was in the process of installing. I followed the instructions and removed the alternator. I then unscrewed 4 phillips screws at the rear and prised open a small cover unfortunetly this cover was not the correct cover that i needed to remove. It held 4 metal pins which locate into small holes on the alternator.
The alternator is a vereo from a volvo 2030 29 hp diesel. Can anybody advise me what the purpose of the 4 metal pins/prongs is. I have put the alternator back but now it doesnt sem to work properly. Sterling didnt seem to be able to help.

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[Heckler]

i fitted a sterling to my 2030b with a vareo alternator. cant recall seeing a small cover that you describe, did you get the module off that holds the brushes?
stu

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[Becky]

I tried fitting one of these things in the Autumn when my boat was still in the water with an engine in it, and it worked the first time I ran the engine, but not the second time. The engine has now been removed for a rebuild, so I have the pleasure of sorting this out next Spring. I removed the thingy which seemed to be the regulator, and found brushes under it. I soldered the wires as described in the instructions. Mine was a Valeo alternator, and I also didn't see what you have described. That means nothing in my case as the alternator now appears not to work anyway. Unfortunately I will have to wait until my engine comes back to investigate. Probably will have to get a new alternator; any suggestions anyone?

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[perlonious]

the "pins" i believe u are refering to hold in the carbon brushes that make the contact on the main shaft.
take what u have and the instructions for the serling regulator to an auto spares shop and they should be able to do it for you.

rgds brian

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[Alex_Blackwood]

Difficult to make any diagnosis without seeing the beasts.
However I would suspect, in both cases, the fault lies in the part you last touched.
In Becky's case I would suspect the soldering. No disrespect but most faults in equipment with soldered components are caused by soldering defects such as "Dry joints". It can be extremely difficult to get a good soldering job in the confines of a boat. Anyway I don't think you will need a new alternator.
I would suggest that Maurice checks the connections in the part he took apart It may be that it has just not gone back together quite right and is making a bad connection. In both cases it is better if possible to do the work with the alternator off the engine so you can see what you are doing. If you are in any doubt about what is going on do as a previous post suggests and consult your local expert.

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