The Lotus Grand Tourers

Hi,

Trying to identify the alternator shown below from my 1989 2.2 SE. I believe it is original as there is no reference in the documents I have to it being changed, but I can't find any readable markings on it, and the parts list is not specific about the make. I know it is a 90amp unit, possibly Valeo, but if anyone has info I would be grateful. It is only putting out about 12.5v, and never reaches 14v. I think the regulator may be shot which I can fix myself, but a good clean up over the winter wouldn't hurt either

Any recommendations on places for components (such as bearings) would be great as the usual Lotus suspects are only interested in selling reconditioned or alternative units - and where's the fun in that!

Thanks, Duncs

I overhauled my 1981 Eclat’s Motorola alternator last year as bearings failed.
I bought new SKF bearings off eBay from ‘4bearings’, and a replacement slip ring.
Got the sizes after dismantling.

Found this info from then:
Alternator parts, Valeo (SE) type unit
Front Bearing 6203-2RS from Hayley
Rear Bearing 6200-2RS from Hayley
http://www.hayley-group.co.uk/
Regulator Pack Lucas UCB500

but pls check

My car is an 1988 and the alternator looks the same as yours. Mines a Valeo

Might find something in this thread useful viewtopic.php?f=27&t=11059&p=84889&hili ... tor#p84889

Thanks for the input folks - I knew someone here would have some insights on this one! Will measure voltage at the terminal to be sure but I think a regulator and brushes might be in order.

These are still available and cheap

https://www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk/ ... 2673-p.asp

Tanz wrote: Sun Oct 22, 2023 12:26 These are still available and cheap

https://www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk/ ... 2673-p.asp

Cheers - just picked one up anyway at that price.

Interesting development when with the car yesterday. Now it is running again, the alternator seems to have woken up and is putting out around 13.1 at idle. I think I will still change the regulator as I have bought it now but interestingly the markings on the Alternator say 70amp, yet the car handbook says it is meant to be 90amp (this could be a marketing dept error of overstatement of course). No documentation with the car suggests it had been changed.

According to my parts list there were only 2 types fitted to the Excel SE, and mine is the later shape that it should be, though the parts list description has no details on current or Valeo codes. The markings on the Valeo label are as follows:

• REF: 9AR2962P and 292962D. (the D may be another character!)

• Output: 14v / 70A

Any thoughts gratefully received as trying to keep the car original where I can.

Duncs

I had my alternator reconditioned some years ago and until recently it was putting out a healthy 13.5v. However, I have noticed it is now struggling to make 12v, even under optimum conditions. This is disappointing as the car only does a low mileage. Could some other component be at fault?

I guess it depends what was done when they did the reconditioning? I changed the regulator and brushes on mine and seemed to do the trick. Was easy to do and parts were cheap.

LotusMonkey wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 11:58
REF: 9AR2962P

This appears to be the regulator part number

I got myself one last year from lotusbits.
The alternator of my Eclat was in pretty bad condition and I replaced it with a refurbished one.
It fitted perfectly and was changed in half an hour.

For the se i use a bmw e30 alternator. Available everywhere for £80 tops. Swap the pulley and make a jumper cable for the different exciter connection and you save £140 plus £30 postage from the "specialists"