Where to buy alternator diodes (and other parts)
 

I traced a slow drain on my battery to bad diodes in the alternator. Thanks JohnZ (from recent archives)! The Shop Manual diode test showed a bad negative diode. I do not have the alternator apart yet, although the Overhaul Manual covers disassembly and component R&R pretty well.

As long as its apart, I might as well do the bearings and brushes.

Can someone recommend a source(s) for diodes and the other parts?

Anything local in the burbs west of Detroit?

Thanks

Harry

If you have trouble finding the parts locally email me and I can get them for you.

I dealt with these people:
http://www.alternatorparts.com/
Good quick service. Hint for installing the diodes - get an old socket the same size as the diode and cut a notch up one side of the socket. Put the wire through the notch and use the socket to press in the diode. Don't bang the diodes in.

you might try NAPA

Thaks everyone. I'll try NAPA and alternatorparts.com in the morning. Failing that I'll send plaidside a PM!

Thanks again, I'll let you know how it comes out.

Harry

Quick update.. NAPA lists the diodes, but not all of the other rebuild parts. Diodes were not in stock anywhere in the US, so they would come from whoever sells them to NAPA.

Local NAPA guys did refer me to Don Duff Starters and Alternators nearby in Livonia. They have the parts, but also quoted the complete rebuild at 39.95! That sounds like a very good deal...

Anyone have any experience with them?

"The results show"... I wound up taking it to Don Duff Alternators and Starters in Livonia Michigan. They did a wonderful job, and were especially concerned about doing it properly to restoration standards, if that is what I wanted (finish on the housing, pulley, fan and even the pulley nut!). They replaced Bearings, Brushes and all of the diodes, in addition to the clean up. Very nice work regardless of cost!

thanks again for getting me started in the right direction.

If they did all that for $39, it was a heck of a deal. 30 years ago, I had to replace a bearing and so did brushes where there. About $6 in parts, IIRC. For today's prices that would be about $25 - $30 in parts alone.