Hello Gentlemen,

I am refurbishing the junkyard alternator I bought for the Red Witch.
Rob Edwards hooked me up with a stash of parts.

One of them is a new rectifier assembly. I have noticed it has more diodes. New one has 14 while old one has 8. The alternator is a Bosch 115A unit. Any reason NOT to fit the 14 diode rectifier?
From my electronics training, more diodes equals more capacity and better rectification.
I am used to working on GM 12SI and CS130 alternators. Bosch, not so much.





8 diode rectifer from alternator.






New 14 diode rectifier.


Thanks!

Seth K. Pyle

 

Were it me...

I'd test the diodes in the old rectifier pack. If they are good, save the new part for when you need it.

The Big Deal on diodes in this service is heat dissipation. As interesting as it might be to have a parallel pair for each end of each stator coil. if the diodes themselves are capable and mounted in an adequate heatsink, the total capacity will be the same as the pairs if they are all mounted the same way.

 

More beer = better.
More steak = better.
More money = better.
More Porsches = better.
More free time = better.
More one night stands (while single naturally) = better.
More wives = ......

Okay, I was on a roll there up until the last one...so, I'm not sure about your question now.

Brian.

 

I think it depends on whether they are in series or parallel...

 

Series causes voltage droop. Parallel raises current capacity. Seems like an easy choice.

 

Either one causes less money in your pocket.

 

dr bob: Thanks for the advice!
As per your reccomendation, I left the 8 diode rectifier in place. All the diodes tested good.

The alternator looks to be a Bosch reman unit fitted relatively soon before the car hit the salvage yard. I put new Nachi bearings in it for peace of mind. Everything else, I just cleaned and reused. I will have a thread shortly about it all.



The Deputy: you had me right up to more wives. I can't handle the one I've got...


M. Requin: That would be parallel for the rectifier.



Thanks!

Seth K. Pyle

 

Itoolio: Yep.


Seth K. Pyle

 

Seth, that looks good, I will send you mine next
My alternator, not my wife, I should be more specific.

And yes, she's as much as I can handle as well. I hear about these guys that have something on the side, or even lead multiple lives, and my first thought is ...how the hell would you have time?!?. I got every moment of every day accounted for, and then some.

 

Ha! And I meant wives, not diodes... Specificity is good!

 

Crumpler; Throw it in a box, I'll work on it.
Yeah...I agree. I can't keep up with my wife now. Why would I want another on the side?


M. Requin:


Seth K. Pyle

 

Appreciate it Seth, your a good man to offer. I just read the write up which helps a lot. Glad you are in the shark tank with us. Cheers.

 

Thank you, sir. I appreciate the kind words. I am just trying to be me, and am glad to be part of the dysfunctional family that is the 928 Sharktank.

Seth K. Pyle