I have been working at my car today for the first time in a long time, and sadly the same problems are still there that i had the last time i worked on it!!

I am really struggling to get an alternator that is small enough diameter to fit onto my blacktop Zetec engine and clear the 'Griffin Power Systems' inlet plenum and the chassis.

I currently have a Lucas LRA100 which i believe is quite small compared to others, i can get this mounted, but cant get the rotation to allow it to be tensioned.

Previously i have looked at another alternator, i think it was from a Kubota tractor, but it was too large a diameter (although it was nice and short).

Any suggestions on where i might get a narrow diameter alternator would be much appreciated, as this appears to be the last major issue i have to resolve now.

Any help appreciated, cheers.

Have a look in Dunk3 photos it may help you sort the problem

The usual one people fit is the bedford rascal/Suzuki van one - it's very small, but kicks out enough juice.

Cheers

Chris

DAIHATSU A073 is another you could look at

Thanks for the quick replies. I have just had a look at Dunk3's setup and he has gone to the other side of the engine, i was trying to use the inlet side. Maybe i need to investigate that option as well.

I will certainly also look at the alternatives suggested, probably start with an Ebay trawl...

Any other suggestions welcome. Thanks.

How about this same as a Daihatsu alternator http://upload8.postimage.org/300671/photo_hosting.html

[Edited on [1235677687R0=072828p: by philw]

[Edited on [1235677752R0=072828p: by philw]

[Edited on [1235677797R0=072828p: by philw]

[Edited on [1235677820R0=072828p: by philw]

When you say cant get enough rotation to tension, is that the alternator? why dont you use an idler pulley fitted somewhere convenient to tension your belt.

^^^^^^

That picture above is exactly the same as my setup on the Blacktop in a book chassis. My alternator came of a tiny suzuki in the scrapper. I also picked up another tiny alternator for the new project via ebay. I think it was originally a spare part for a Kubota garden tractor but it's rated at 40A - more than enough.

All the small ones are made by Nippon-Denso corp. Japan.

JC

[Edited on 22/2/09 by SeaBass]

I have recently fitted a fixed idler pulley on the other side of the engine for the same belt. Maybe i should look at modding that pulley to give me an adjustable tensioner, as you suggest.

I did notice that Dunk3 has done something similar with the same idler pulley.

I will investigate this a little further. Thanks.

hi again
just seen your alternator post , i have a couple of very small nippon ones, will sort out tommorow and tell you what i found.
graham.

Does anyone have any photos of the idler pulley on a blacktop Zetec being made adjustable?

Long shot, but worth an ask!

Here's mine, I couldn't get the unit under the inlet either so mine went on the exhaust side.
Idler pulley isn't adjustable but alternator is.
Rescued attachment P1000022.JPG

another....
Rescued attachment front.jpg

Not the same engine, but will give you an idea.
I ended up mounting the alternator solid, and then using the old p/s pump tensioner in a custom mount, mine is on the exhaust due to drysump pump, but will work on the other side too.