Alternator and Oil Fill Tube Upgrades

I have some video to show off my new 110 amp alternator. After some trouble initially the second install went perfect. It gave me exactly the result I was looking for, with the radiator fan, heat fan, headlights, and radio all running I now have 13 volts at idle.

At idle, with everything running, my old alternator would let the voltage drop a little when the radiator fan would kick on causing the headlights to dim for a second and then go back to normal. This unit is better able to regulate its voltage at idle and now no light change at all.

Also some short video of the polished shortened oil filler tube from www.outbackmotors.com

Ok, I think this is one of the very few posts that no one has ever responded to, so I plan to respond myself.

Please, no one post on this thread, I will continue to talk to myself, and see how many posts I can generate....all from myself....

I crack myself up!!!!!

Well Steve, the reason it glows red, is because the company that makes this fine little unit mainly sells to the tuner market and they love little gizmos that look cool, but serve no useful purpose.

They put LED lights inside that spin around with the alternator to give it a glowing effect.

Why is it glowing red?

You say you had some trouble in the initial install, why is that?

Well the first unit, lasted about 15 minutes, and after installing the old unit back in the 12 volt feed back to the unit had a broken wire, so it didn't work anymore either.

After finally figuring that out and fixing the wire, and sending the new unit back and getting it fixed, I reinstalled it and it works fine.

Is the polished unit really worth the extra money?

Heck no, I'm the only one who will ever see it, except in this video.

But, it wasn't any extra to get the polished one, since they charge you amply for the Hi Output anyway.

There are two puns in that sentence.

Why did you put the aftermarket oil filler tube on?

Because it was quicker and easier then making one, and I like to have the filler neck as opposed to trying to poor the oil into the hole without it.

Also one time, the other cap came off because it was a plug style, that I didn't seat all the way down, or it just got oily enough to slip off.

Then the oil came out the top, hit the engine lid cover, followed the engine lid cover down to the edge and got on my carpet.

I had to remove it to get it clean, and it was a mess.

Why not just use a funnel?

Because I can never find it when I need it, and I'm stupid.

Why did you buy the polished one?

Again, because it didn't cost any extra.

Why is the video so long?

Because editing it, takes effort and no one cares anyway. There is some nice music in the background though, and you can hear what the engine sounds like if you have then engine lid open.

Why would we care what the engine sounds like with the lid open?

Hmmmmm....I don't really know the answer to that question.

How long does it take to change the alternator?

Well the first time it takes forever, the second time it takes less, the third time about 15 minutes.

Is the oil filler tube a hard install?

A socket wrench and 5 minutes if your taking your time.

Why did the wire break to the alternator 12 volt signal?

Because I wasn't being careful when I removed the new alternator, and was probably a little angry when the brand new alternator quit so soon.

I only wish I had known that I broke the connection, so I didn't have to spend hours scratching my head, wondering why the old alternator didn't work anymore.

Would you recommend these items on a future build?

I would recommend the oil filler tube upgrade for sure. It is 75 dollars or 100 if you have a subaru engine that is from a couple of years where they need it to be a 45 degree unit to clear the fuel rail.

Of course mine needed the 45, tell them what year your engine is and they can figure out which one you need.

The Hi Output alternator can be found for about 200, but I managed to not find these companies until after I paid the 325 for the fancy dancy tuner version....oh well. Many years already have the higher output alternator, and most people won't need the extra power, as they don't have so much (extra) unnecessary crapola on their cars.

Looks like it has been a long cold winter in your part of the world?

This is the funniest thread I've ever seen.

You're a riot Steve! The comment on the alternator for rice burners cracks me up....

I've heard about cabin fever - this man needs an early spring! When is your appointment with that guy in the white coat?

Steve, since you are a pilot and I just returned from Boston on a G5, do you usally get tips? Everyone and their mother are getting tipped lately, not sure it pilots are in that catagory. I wasn't sure if that would insult them, or flatter them. I haven't flown privately a lot, but I see it happening a little more frequently in the future... NOMD though.

I tell you what,this is THE funniest thread for a long time.
Going to Carlisle with you it will be a blast.

Kevin:

In my last job before retirement, I used to manage three company jets; two Hawker 800's and a Gulfstream G6B. None of my crews ever expected (or received) tips. They were one hell of a lot more professional than that....Two crews out of Cork, Ireland, and one based at Hanscom field, just outside of Boston.

Oh....and they were VERY well paid for their efforts, and were the best crews aloft.

gn

I was in and out of Bedford, MA via signature.

It was weird, I did not tip, but at the same time when I was thanking the pilots for a safe an uneventful flight, the pilot you was also our "purser" hung his hand out a little longer than I would have thought necessary. I am sure it was my imagination, but I figured this was be a good time as any to ask a pilot himself.

Yup, Hanscom Field is in Bedford, Ma........right off of RT 128.

What'er you doing up in Beantown, anyway? Nice Irish-redneck like yourself?

Go any place decent for Lunch??

I always sent folks I liked to Franco's on Hanover in the North End, or Terra Mia on Salem street. Or, if they really wanted a terrific Seafood dinner (no BS, just great seafood), to the "No Name" out on Pier 5 on the Waterfront. (Just go past Anthoney's Pier 4 and take the next left and look for the sign that says "No Name" Restaurant, next to the union office on the fish pier.

Look for it the next time you're in the "Hub of New England" (or just, "the Hub").

Steve - What do you fly? I fly a Dornier Jet for a private charter company based in Akron, OH.

And regarding tips - we certainly don't expect them, but on the rare occassion that they are offered we humbly accept them and split it amongst the crew. The only time we will get a tip generally is when we fly high-rollers into Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe. We do casino junkets every weekend to Atlantic City and Foxwoods, and don't get any tips.

Mark

Steve - I just noticed you are from Des Moines, IA. I just flew into there this past Friday. Lovely weather you have there! ;-}

"Giggity giggity goo"? Hmmm... I think I'll take a bus. ;-)

Hhhmmm...taking a Bus in Iowa while it's full of snow and cold out....deja vu....reminds me of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.