Alternator budget breaking

[Amgine]

The alternator for my 1GM decided to give it up most of the way up Vancouver Island. It's been marvelous, and is clearly the original equipment, so I don't grudge it at all. Locating a replacement, however, has proven extremely difficult and expensive.

The cheapest I've found so far is a reman for $1100 (prices in Canadian Dollars, natch.) A new unit is available for $1400. None can be gotten until sometime next week, of course, since it's a holiday weekend here; the soonest could be shipped on Tuesday, and shipping is all on top of the price.

I've found a local guy who thinks he can repair the alternator, but parts for the Hitachi unit have to be shipped up from either Victoria (if we're lucky) or Vancouver or Seattle (if we're not.) So, again, at least Tuesday or Wednesday. But the repair will cost $200 or so (has an electrician ever come in at the quote? In my experience it's always the "or so" for some reason.)

Obviously I'm getting the unit repaired, for now. But I'm going to purchase a back up unit so this won't ruin another cruise. But these prices are really budget breakers for me. Anyone else have better sources for Yanmar parts?

[Jim Buck]

I just found one on the web for $129 USD which is designated as a replacement for the Hitachi. Found it here:

http://www.mascostartersandalternators. ... tail&p=324

And here for $159:

http://www.psepmarineparts.biz/store/ya ... #AHAHI0084

I have no experience with these web sites.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[river-rat]

If you have not tried them, suggest you call Altech Diesel Ltd, Campbell River BC. Phone 250-286-0055. They are the most helpful
and knowledgeable up island shop. They may even have help regarding rebuilt units.

[Amgine]

Excellent replies!

I've contacted the Masco folks to see if they have stock, and can ship to Canada.

I've also attempted to contact the Alltech Diesel folks, but it is a long holiday weekend here and no one is in the shop. I'll definitely get in touch with them on Tuesday when everything opens up again!

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Andy Denmark]

Amgine,

I was aboard a Jenneau 41 several years ago with a similar problem. We had a refurbished alternator and 2 belts shipped from Seattle via Kenmore Air to Kwatsi Bay. Kenmore charged us $59 and it arrived next morning in the pilots carry-on bag thus no exhorbitant taxes or duty. We tipped him a bottle of Chivas Regal for his assistance as this saved an expensive and time-consuming stopover.

If one has to be marooned then Kwatsi Bay is a better place than most. Max and Anca made us feel very much at home there. Don't know where you are but Kenmore can get into most anywhere In the Queen Charlotte Sound area and will work with you.

Just a thought. Hope it helps.
________
Lamborghini 350gt specifications

[sharkbait]

Go to this link and then ask questions or look around.

http://news.prestolite.com/forum/alternators

[mattlydon]

check out balmar alternators - top notch stuff, and very reasonable compared to your $1100 estimate.

Matt

[Jeff Barnes]

I agree with Matt. As far as I know, you can get a Balmar in a variety of capacities (in amps) in any of the standard frame sizes and mounting configurations. Balmars require external regulators but are reasonably priced and extremely durable.

Jeff

[Boyd]

I took my old alternator to a local shop and told the guy to make me a new one with 75 amp capacity (my old one was 50 amp) that would fit on the mount. He did and for $150 out the door. Stay away from the "marine" stuff and you will do better.

Its a bit bigger unit and has a custom machined foot adapter but bolts on with no problem.

Boyd
s/v Tern
CD30 MkII
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

[Jeff G]

My alternator gave it up last year. Got a replacement at go2marine. Here is the link

http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=191382F

Price was a lot better than the official Yanmar replacement