RD alternator that looks like a generator - any experience?

Post by: **tdskip** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 6:43 pm

When I was doing some parts list assembly today I came across this and was wondering if anyone has first-hand experience to share? I know these will become popular on some other British cars, not sure what you all think for our Elans.

Thanks!

Post by: **prezoom** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 12:55 am

A friend just put one on his Elan, and the water pump failed shortly thereafter.

Post by: **StressCraxx** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 1:09 am

prezoom wrote:A friend just put one on his Elan, and the water pump failed shortly thereafter.

Sounds pretty authentic then...

Replacing my original generator with a new one had the exact same effect.

Regards,
Dan

Post by: **elancoupe** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 1:49 am

I have an RD alternator that looks like an alternator, it looks and works great.

Post by: **tdskip** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 3:49 am

This thread is both funny and scary at the same time, in equal measure.

Post by: **benymazz** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 5:28 am

I fitted one and did about a thousand miles before I pulled the engine for a rebuild. Valve guides were the reason, not the water pump. I did not notice an increase in play in the water pump over the 1000 miles I had it fitted.

Fingers crossed it doesn't eat water pumps, I have a rebuilt engine with a new water pump going together now and if I have to pull the engine out of this car for the 4th time in 18 months there will be much gnashing of teeth and rending of garments...

-Ben

Post by: **gjz30075** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 10:57 am

I've got the alternator that looks like a generator, although I didn't get it from RD, and I love it. Looks
proper, obviously and it seems to 'trigger' , or come on, sooner than the Nippondendo alternator it had, ie,
minimal revs needed to excite it.

My only concern is cooling. In order to look the part, it can't have all the cooling slots a normal
alternator would have. I only have about 500 miles on mine but so far, so good.

Post by: **DavidLB** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 11:01 pm

I have had a uk made one on my climax elite for a good many yers, absolutely no problems. David

Post by: **velo5338** » Tue Dec 24, 2019 11:04 pm

I installed a WOSP Dynator on my type 14 Elite.

Looks the business, 50A output compared to the original 25A, 3,000 trouble-free miles so far, including a 300 mile round trip in 95 degree ambient temperatures. Can also be specified with the extended shaft tacho drive.

Highly recommended.

Mike

'60 Elite type 14
'67 7
'70 Elan +2
'72 Elan Sprint
'73 Europa TC

Post by: **tdskip** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 1:09 pm

Thanks for the response and experience, that is a VERY tidy car!

Post by: **The Veg** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 2:06 pm

Mike, is that the car I saw at Norcross a few months ago? Very nice! Hope to catch up with you again before too long.

Post by: **velo5338** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 8:24 pm

Yep, that was me.

I remember you too!

Cheers

Mike

RD alternator that looks like a generator - any experience?

Total Online:

Recent Forum Topics

Support LotusElan.net!

Recent Wiki Articles