Uprated Alternator

I have long wanted a better alternator than the standard 65A unit to be able to rapidly recharge both batteries, run the various lights and heaters in winter or run the winch without rapidly depleting the battery, and had planned in the future on fitting one of the 100A upgrade kits (I really only needed the alternator, as I built the wiring for such an alternator during the rebuild).  100A alternators aren’t all that expensive, and get around a lot of the winter driving problems, eliminating many advantages of LED lamps (which had been high on the list of future mods).

Another member of the LR4x4 forum I frequent was looking to replace a Defender spec 175A alternator he had picked up with much the same intentions, but which wouldn’t fit his retrofit Discovery engine with original PAS and alternator cradle.  He wanted a swap for a standard Discovery alternator, and probably could have had mine if I’d been living at home, but instead, after a few messages, I sent him a new standard unit and he sent me this in exchange.

It had been used and was a bit mud splashed, but a very rigorous clean with WD40 has brought the aluminium case up bright, cleaned up all the visible internals and removed a fair bit of dirt and particulates from inside.  It was tested before being sent to me and turns smoothly.  It should work a treat and prevent any instances of flat batteries when the vehicle goes back into service.

There is a temptation to move it up high, where the PAS pump is and an aircon compressor would sit, and move the PAS pump down to the current alternator position.  That would involve modifying the Defender PAS/alternator bracket, as they use only two of the three bolts used on the Series and non-PAS 90/110 brackets and then pick up on the Defender timing case (mine is Discovery, so lacks the fixing points), would need new PAS hoses, crank pulleys and a new mounting  for (or removal of) the Kenlowe Hotstart. It probably makes a lot more sense to retain the existing configuration and make a splash shield that will keep spray and splashes out of the engine bay, protecting this more open alternator and also protecting else.  One contact did this and says his auxiliary belts last much longer as a result.