850R Alternator Smoking Advice Please

[Flatout Phil]

The alternator is smoking on my 850R! So it probably needs replacing at a wild guess. Staggeringly, a Bosch replacement on Ebay seems to run at around £500!!!
So what are the replacement options?

The part number on it is (I think) 9162633 - it's a 100amp on an R (which is of course a 1996).

So does anyone have a recommendation for a replacement (or risking a s/h part?), and how much labour is involved in replacing it?

Cheers in advance.

Phil.

[M-R-P]

'Ello stranger.

Best get that sorted asap before you end up with a crispy R!

There's a company JamesT5 found that do remanufactured alternators and give you money for your old one too. Pretty cheap IIRC.

[merc85]

Hi Phil, i have a s/h one if you wanna make me a offer. postage will abit as its quite heavy, unless you wanna meet up halfway or summit at the wkend? sat afternoon or sunday.

I can also get you a price on a new unit and let you know tomorrow. and it wont be anywhere near £500

As for money back for your old unit, yes this is true if the unit you are buying is recon, some are new and dont have a surcharge

[Harvey]

I think it would be a very good idea to Disconnect the battery ASAP.

[Flatout Phil]

Yes, disconnecting battery a very good idea...
Ironically I was up near Harwich the other day - but am car-less at the moment so short of cycling, I may be looking at postage!
Aside from disconnecting the power steering stuff, how difficult is it as a DIY proposition? I'm a pretty competent spanner wielder!
Once upon a time it was so easy to get an over the counter alternator....

[Flatout Phil]

Thanks Martin,
Yes, I'm preoccupied with other stuff at the moment sadly, so the R is being maintained rather than cosseted, but I still love it...

'Ello stranger.

Best get that sorted asap before you end up with a crispy R!

There's a company JamesT5 found that do remanufactured alternators and give you money for your old one too. Pretty cheap IIRC.

[merc85]

Ive never fitted one when the engine is still in the car, be easier with inlet off. Ive got to suppliers in London, If you want me to get a price on a new one tomorrrow you could pay me over the phone and collect it from them, One is in Wembley, the other is Barking. or if you know anyone down this way ie southend or basildon i dont mind dropping a 2nd hand one off to them.

[Flatout Phil]

Ive never fitted one when the engine is still in the car, be easier with inlet off. Ive got to suppliers in London, If you want me to get a price on a new one tomorrrow you could pay me over the phone and collect it from them, One is in Wembley, the other is Barking. or if you know anyone down this way ie southend or basildon i dont mind dropping a 2nd hand one off to them.

That's really helpful. If I can get an easy local sort out I will, but PM me with a price - I'm sure it will be a good one. And I'm OK to pay carriage - it shouldn't be too horrendous. But as I say, I will see if there is any local possibility.

[Flatout Phil]

Part number is 9162683 not as above

[merc85]

That's really helpful. If I can get an easy local sort out I will, but PM me with a price - I'm sure it will be a good one. And I'm OK to pay carriage - it shouldn't be too horrendous. But as I say, I will see if there is any local possibility.

Completely understand will pm you tomorrow phil no probs.

[Jamest5r]

Hi Phil long time no see hope the family is well,

It's a bit of a bitch to change there is 1 bolt thats a pita to get to but it can be done i used about 3 long extensions to get to it across the front of the inlet mani, im sure you will be fine but the swear box will get filled a little

[Flatout Phil]

Thanks James,
Well, things are changing a bit shall we say, but family is OK. Oh the thought of a bolt like that is enough for me to get someone else to do it...! Arghhhh!

Hi Phil long time no see hope the family is well,

It's a bit of a bitch to change there is 1 bolt thats a pita to get to but it can be done i used about 3 long extensions to get to it across the front of the inlet mani, im sure you will be fine but the swear box will get filled a little

[jdavis]

JamesT5 did a guide to changing it on a P2. can't see it being a massive difference to an 850.
Good luck, i gave up on my P1 and it ended up getting a garage to do it.

£500 seems a bit steep for a new one, daft question but have you rung stealers?

[Flatout Phil]

I think I will get someone to do it - I'm just too busy at the moment. I will give Simon a ring - although I have a feeling that if Volvo can charge £45 for a driveshaft gaiter, that an alternator is going to be somewhat stiffer...
Yes, I saw James' thread - I think its the issue with the manifold that puts me off. Mind you, I could do the goop pot at the same time if I got the manifold off...

JamesT5 did a guide to changing it on a P2. can't see it being a massive difference to an 850.
Good luck, i gave up on my P1 and it ended up getting a garage to do it.

£500 seems a bit steep for a new one, daft question but have you rung stealers?

[Flatout Phil]

Rufe wants £248.13 for an alternator delivered with exchange as £65 surcharge. Another company are saying £125 + exchange with 18 month warranty. Another new item from someone else, £116 delivered on a 12 month warranty with no exchange.
Choices, decisions. Do I want to pay someone to fit one twice if it goes wrong? That'll make up any price saving on the Volvo item - but then again, the Volvo item may not last... Who knows???

[M-R-P]

Why not fit it yourself Phil? and the 18 month warranty sounds good to me.

[Flatout Phil]

It doesn't sound a bad price with the warranty - but I think the fit would drive me mad with that awkward bolt. What sort of time do you reckon I should allow for the job? Not sure if I should replace drive belt at same time and all that. And then get into thinking, well, if I'm taking all that stuff off, why not do the cam belt, water pump...ya de yah, you know how it is! Arghhhh!

Why not fit it yourself Phil? and the 18 month warranty sounds good to me.

[M-R-P]

Doubt it's a long job, hour or two, I'd do the aux belt but if the cam belt isn't due, I'd leave it well alone

[merc85]

you have pm phil

[Flatout Phil]

Thanks Gav,
I've sent you a reply. Give me a call around Noon (number on PM) if you can, and we'll go with that. Sounds a fair deal.
Cheers,
Phil.

you have pm phil