I've got a little noise coming from an alternator bearing on my 66 L-79 matching numbers car. How can I tell if the alternator is original? And if it is, should I bother to have the bearing replaced or should I just replace the whole thing with a new/rebuilt alternator from a parts store?

The numbers on the alt. in there now are:

stamped:
1100750-61A
5U15-12-NEG

painted:
2k26

According to http://www.corvette.net/tech-9.htm,

This top number is associated with 66's with A/C and TI. This car has neither.
Could this alt. be original? And what do the second and 3rd numbers mean?

Thanks


[Modified by brucep, 7:45 PM 9/12/2003]


[Modified by brucep, 7:46 PM 9/12/2003]


[Modified by brucep, 7:47 PM 9/12/2003]

 

1100750 was the alternator part number used beginning with the 1966 model year (you are correct the proper Corvette applications were 327/350 hp or 427/390hp with A/C.) The next number is the date code (although there was no "U" I suspect it might be a "J") and represents the year of manufacture (6=1966), the calendar month A through M (no I) (J=September), and then the day of the month (15). The 12-NEG represents the fact it is used on a 12V negative ground system. Can't help you with the painted number "2k26".

I don't think TI was a requirement for the use of this alternator (but A/C was supposed to be). Depending on the date of manufacture of your car, who knows whether it is original, but I have definitely heard of a lot of cases where application code numbers that weren't supposed to be correct, were in fact correct. If you are striving for "NCRS" status, you would need to probably change it out to a 1100693 to avoid points off. Then again, if you are just going to drive it, get that one rebuilt or buy another one from the local parts place. If you are planning to add a higher power stereo, then the 61 apm alternator may come in handy... :cheers:


[Modified by Denney, 9:06 PM 9/12/2003]

 

that was helpful Denney. thank you