Date: May 25, 1999
My 1965 P1800's generator light is staying on for long periods of time (15 minutes after starting the car). It eventually goes out, after warming up or reaching highway speeds. In the past, the light would come on when idling after a cold start, but would go out almost immediately. I checked the usual, belt tightness/wear, wiring, etc.; these seem OK.
I was wondering if it is possible and/or desirable to upgrade to an alternator and more modern voltage regulator? Any suggestions you have related to this conversion or fixing/replacing the existing generator would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Wayne themocks@earthling.net
http://home.austin.rr.com/themocks
Wayne - It is possible to replace the generator with an alternator. Many people have done this using various replacements. If I wanted to switch, I would first investigate the possibility of using parts from a later P1800. Some people find it easier and cheaper to use an alternator from a common car like a Chevrolet. Then if anything goes wrong with it, they can find a rebuilt unit at any auto parts store. If you are seriously considering the switch, you might want to post a question about it on the Brickboard (http://www.brickboard.com ) or the P1800 e-mail list (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/1800list/ ).
I have never felt sufficiently motivated to replace the generator. The only reasons I can think of to do this would be to increase the available electric current or to enable quicker repairs. People usually are forced to use an alternator when they install electrical equipment that requires more current than the generator can put out, such as heavy-duty electric fans, power windows and seats, high-power stereos, etc.
The stock Bosch generator may be unusual nowadays, but most generator and starter shops can service them. I prefer to take mine to a local shop and have it repaired, rather than to trade it for a rebuilt unit from an auto supply. I've found the rebuilt units are put together shoddily, and they don't last much longer than a year. When I take my generator to the repair shop, they detail the repairs and warranty the work. This is not always the cheapest way to go, but if anything goes wrong with the unit, at least the shop will fix it instead of giving me another one that may have as many problems. Since my car is a daily driver, I keep a spare generator on hand to use while the other one is in the shop. Turnaround is usually a week.
I believe the brushes and springs are still available from Volvo. If you are mechanically inclined, you can change these yourself and clean up the commutator. It is a simple operation and the parts are inexpensive. You have to remove the generator from the car (tag the wires first) and take off the metal band that goes around the back end. (Don't try to dismantle the whole generator.) Carefully study the position of the springs before removing them. If you don't plan to change the springs, it is possible to remove the brushes without removing the springs. Use a workshop manual as a guide. With any luck, new brushes will fix the problem. -Glenn.