Alternator failure, replacement and fix options

mowlas

mowlas

Member
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1,736
Been a long time since I contributed to this forum and it's really nice to see old and new 'faces' making this forum stronger than ever! Please note, I'll be sharing this information on the ALTERNATIVE PARTS, WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW... thread.

My alternator seemingly failed recently (see pic attached). Many threads on this forum proved immensely helpful in plotting a course of action for reliable but fast and affordable repairs. I also did a lot of researching for credible clones (not cheap Chinese knock-offs). It seems, in terms of replacement, the following seem most viable:
  1. OEM part at 30% discount on retail price at distributors like Eurospares and Scuderia https://www.scuderiacarparts.com/part/270972/maserati/325296/alternator.html#spec (note that this part number supersedes all previous part numbers)
  2. Full refurbishment (where OEM weak parts are replaced with stronger parts and the casing is refurbished) with reputable and knowledgable experts in rotating electronics such as people like Steve (who I spoke with and felt very comfortable and convinced by; also at least one forum member has experienced this service and recommended) at London & Essex https://londonessexautoelectrics.co.uk
  3. Buying a clone from a reputable manufacturer with some traceable provenance. After a lot of searching I found this from AS, a company in Poland specialising in electrical parts for vehicles https://as-pl.com/en/p/A6643S
Option 1 is the most expensive (even after 30% discount) at around £570 plus delivery. The next most expensive is option 3 at around £260, followed by option 2 at roughly £230 (from what I recall one forum member paid - this price may have changed since).

I decided to go for option 3 (bought on eBay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115284835627) and have just received the part which looks and feels high quality, with high quality packaging and testing certificate. The car is going for the repair on Monday and I will keep you updated on how this part turns out!

97547
 
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TimR

Member
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2,731
London&Essex did mine. I was told it was a folly and subsequently refrained from enlightening other forum members of the existence of these guys. The thing still going strong. And a significant saving to be had.
I knew that before I started though..Convincing others of this- not so simple !
 
mowlas

mowlas

Member
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1,736
Thanks Tim. I agree, I would regard it as a strong option and Steve took time to explain the weakest parts of the Denso OEM units. If you don't mind me asking roughly how many miles would you guess you've done since? I will ask the servicers to return the old part to me and definitely reserve the option of a refurb!
 
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TimR

Member
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2,731
I was told to expect it to detonate and start a battery fire within a hundred miles,or less...!:omg:
Ive covered 10K miles in four years or so..Surprising to me, as I have a van I use daily, two road bikes and the Maser; and the car has undergone alot of remedial and other works that have kept it in a state of running resto & up on axle stands, the pandemic hit and WHU...
 
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Belfry

Member
Messages
193
I used exactly the same supplier a couple of months ago. No issues at all so far. The alternator seems very well built. At some stage I will probably have the original alternator refurbished so I'll have a spare.

I had the same warning as well.

I really enjoyed the whole process of changing the alternator myself at home. As a bonus I discovered that one of the intake gaskets was leaking so the new gaskets (which were parts of the repair process) fixed this, probably improving the engine running.
 
mowlas

mowlas

Member
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1,736
That's really good to hear Belfry, thanks!

Well done on the DIY - I strongly considered doing this myself after reading instructions on a couple of forums and watching videos, but just could not muster the confidence! The most involved thing I've done so far is change the window regulator in one of the doors!
 
philw696

philw696

Member
Messages
25,491
mowlas said:
That's really good to hear Belfry, thanks!

Well done on the DIY - I strongly considered doing this myself after reading instructions on a couple of forums and watching videos, but just could not muster the confidence! The most involved thing I've done so far is change the window regulator in one of the doors!
Click to expand...
If you can change a window regulator on a QP you can do the alternator.
 
JMS

JMS

Member
Messages
264
Just read your update in the alternative parts thread. Did you go for OE from Euros or Scuderia?

think mine is on its way out….
 
mowlas

mowlas

Member
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1,736
JMS said:
Just read your update in the alternative parts thread. Did you go for OE from Euros or Scuderia?

think mine is on its way out….
Click to expand...
I initially went with a clone to my regret - it failed within a few months. Have since purchased an OE one from Scuderia and got a small extra discount on top of their already discounted prices as I had purchased a few other items from them recently and pointed an indy their way.
 
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rwatkins

Junior Member
Messages
47
Did anyone have any updated advice here. I have just had my alternator issues causing me to breakdown in the middle of the highstreet
 
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