Alternator upgrade

[940volvoman]

Is it possible to upgrade the alternator on my 940 Celebration estate.I have recently replaced the voltage regulator which has made a massive different,but a bit more current would help,too.
Do the ones fitted to the V90 or 850 fit.??

TIA

Shaun

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by 940volvoman

Is it possible to upgrade the alternator on my 940 Celebration estate.I have recently replaced the voltage regulator which has made a massive different,but a bit more current would help,too.
Do the ones fitted to the V90 or 850 fit.??

TIA

Shaun

Depends what alternator you've already got. Assuming it's the original alternator, there should be a green sticker on it if it's a Bosch (some late cars had Nippon Denso alternators) detailing the part number (0 120 abc xyz) and the output 14V and the current at that voltage.
First thing to do is find out what you've got already and then i'll have a look to see what options there are. If memory serves the FWD Volvos you suggest as a donor have totally different brackets so won't even think of bolting onto your red block.

[aardvarkash10]

The short answer is "yes".

The long answer includes a "why"?

Even the high output alternators in the same pattern (and I've seen them up to 90A in the same frame) still have to cope with physics. More output = more heat, more drive requirements, and often overlooked - more current through the B+ cable.

IIRC, the standard unit is a 55A unit. Its under stress with everything on - heated seats, headlights, driving lights, heated rear screen, stereo cranked, and the cooling fan cuts in. But in real world conditions, its a pretty capable unit and at least won't melt your B+ lead!

[940volvoman]

My Celebration Estate currently has a 100 amp alternator,which,after replacing the Voltage regulator works well.,giving a good 14 volts .Trouble is,I only tend to use the car about town,so the draws are going to be more than the top up,so which means regular help from an external maintenance charger.This is frustrating when it catches me out....
Maybe the 960 or V90 alternator would fit better than the 850 one?

My existing alt.is Bosch .....

[Laird Scooby]

If you've already got a 100A alternator, upgrading it to even bigger won't help. Either you are having to recharge the battery because there's another problem (perhaps more faults in the alternator than just the voltage reg) such as the belts not tight enough, bad earth, battery on its way out or you haven't given it a decent runsince renewing the voltage reg toput some decent charge in the battery.

I've got a 120A on mine and use it mainly for short runs (about a mile each way) with the occasonal run further afield. I've not had a problem with recharging the battery!

The 960 and V90 both use the same faimly of engines (white blocks) as the FWD Volvos so the same answer applies. It's possible they might be compatible but it's a 50/50 guess and without knowing what alternator you've got (i've already asked for the number) it's impossible to try cross-referencing to a bigger one, not that it's likely to help you any.

Take it for a blatt up the A27 once a week to put some charge back into the battery if you really think all your town use is killing the battery. I really don't think it's only that causing your problem though and i'm sure Ash would agree with that.

[TonyS9]

What are you trying to achieve, what was the problem before that changing the regulator made a massive difference?

Most people have poor charging issues, this is usually caused by voltage drop across various crimp connections. Putting in a bigger alternator won't help with this, unless you are already consuming close to 1kw of electrical power, which would be unusual.

[bob12]

According to Volvo by 1990 Bosch alternators were fitted as follows:

100A - B230FT/GT
90A - B204GT
80A - B234F, B200E/F, B230E/F, B204E
55A - B230K

Bob

[quevatre]

My brand new battery is discharging overnight on my newly purchased 940 (1997 vintage).

There are no warning lights on the dash while driving so I assume that it's charging okay. Any ideas??

[940volvoman]

Dave

The battery doesn't appear to have a label affixed,(unless it is on the side against the inner wing!) so it is almost impossible to know which one I purchased. I probably have the receipt somewhere but might take some time to find.

With regards the immobiliser info you sent me, I discovered that 12 volt planet list 60/70 amp relays just for that sort of application .

Thanks again

Shaun

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by 940volvoman

Dave

The battery doesn't appear to have a label affixed,(unless it is on the side against the inner wing!) so it is almost impossible to know which one I purchased. I probably have the receipt somewhere but might take some time to find.

With regards the immobiliser info you sent me, I discovered that 12 volt planet list 60/70 amp relays just for that sort of application .

Thanks again

Shaun

That's a nuisance about the battery.

Another good place for relays and other stuff is : https://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/category/155

I've had a few bits from 12V Planet that i haven't been thriled with so tend to use AES and VWP instead :

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.e...-flasher-units

I think 12V Planet are the only ones that keep the 60-70A relay though. In fairness, the igniton switch is only capable of about 40A anyway, all heavy loads are relay switched in the car so for the puroses of the immobiliser, a generic 4-pin is easier to fit and hide as long as it meets the spec i put in.