Replacement alternator for 470/breezeworks

nola mike

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Apr 22, 2009
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I need a replacement alternator for a 470 3 wire breezeworks conversion. Can anyone tell me which mercruiser alts can replace it?

Scoreboard:
Original horrible charging system:
Lifespan=26 years
Mode of failure=regulator failure, "hmm, I'm charging at 18v"
Fix=leisurely breezeworks conversion

Alternator system:
Lifespan=4 years
Mode of failure=alternator seizure, dramatic smoking, engine bogging with 12 people on board
Fix=emergency alternator beltectomy, which although it made me look like a hero was decidedly inconvenient

Just sayin'
 

nola mike

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5,519
Any 3 wires that fit? Btw, remembered I got a spare engine out back with a good(? ) regulator. I may throw it on and be the first 470 regression ever.
 

nola mike

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Do all the gm alternators without a serpentine belt have the same mounting configuration?
 

harleyman1975

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May 12, 2003
Messages
959
Just buy a rebuild kit from the local parts store and do it yourself. $15-$20 bucks and an hour of your time. read the directions it is not brain surgery. did my first one at 16 and have been doing them since and no problems. an 1/8 inch drillbit works great as a brush retainer. kit comes with new brushes, new diode trio, new bearings.
 

nola mike

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Boat is covered and moored atm, so no pic. Ended up with this one, which crosses with 201204. Thanks for the help, we'll see if it works. harleyman, I'm guessing I have some bad bearings in there. Would that be included in a kit? Either way, since time is an issue I'd rather just have a replacement on hand. Until Tuesday I'll be boating with a spare battery though.
 

nola mike

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No Title

Got the new alternator and installed no issues, fits fine. Old one was missing 3 screws holding the alt together. Don't know if this was cause or effect of failure. You can see the missing screws in the second pic
 

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harleyman1975

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Yup that is most likely cause. kit comes with bearings...yes. go ahead and rebuild old one as a spare.
 
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