Re: 2001 530i 5-spd 91,00 miles. How to remove cover from back of Bosch alternator

On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:39:14 -0400, bidservice@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:

>hsg@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:
>> 
>> Not so I've seen some with commutator type slip ring contacts - early
Lucas
>> spring to mind.
>
>That still describes a generator - where the commutator does the 
>rectification. 

The commutator does not do the rectification - well it might slightly but
the
rectification was done in the control - voltage regulator box linked to
the
battery. Rather hit and miss affair at the time but it worked for about 50
years!!!!!!!!!

>An alternator has stator coils that put out alternating 
>current, which is then rectified by the diodes. The rotor only needs to 
>be turned on/off for regulation - the varying magnetic field in the 
>rotor determines the output of the alternator.
>
>http://www.alternatorparts.com/understanding_alternators.htm
>
>http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/function.html
>
>>> Or simply go to an Autozone, Pepboys, whatever in the US and pay $170 
>>> for a rebuilt one.
>> 
>> But with those that maybe cheaper than Bosch you can only take them
back to the
>> shop you bought from whereas Bosch have a national dealership and any
branch
>> will swap out a faulty unit FOC if you have the necessary paperwork in
the car
>> and it's within warranty period.
>
>There are many more Autozone, Pepboys stores in the US than there are 
>Bosch service facilities. And they also warranty the products - usually 
>with a "lifetime replacement" warranty.

That's nice because it never used to happen here. Buy from Fred take it
back to
Fred.

We always used to fit BL engines and gearboxes to BL cars - Ok cost a bit
more
but we never had a warranty problem - if it came back to us we just sent
the car
to a BL dealer. If the customer was in Scotland he took it to a BL dealer.
>
>> It's a bind having to pay for a new unit and then take the faulty one
back fro
>> another - you won't get the cash back.

Usually Fred - the independent will just give you a replacement for the
faulty
unit. If you had to buy one as a distress purchase you would end up with
2.
>
>Don't have any idea what you mean by the above..
-- 

Sir Hugh of Bognor

The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.
 
Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find
it!

Hugh Gundersen
hsg@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK