Re: Diodes

[Todd Tomason <jayscore@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've never seen these red diodes on an alternator.  I have come across them on 
eBay and such.  What years did they use them?  Were they only used for 
certain amperage ratings?  I'm assuming we're talking about the Motorola 
alternators.

Todd

On Sunday 12 December 2004 22:33, Gary Walker wrote:
>    The isolation diode is the big red one on the outside of the alternator
> case.   This may be the only one that is damaged.  You can change it with
> the alternator in place.  Inspect it by checking continuity in both
> directions.  Current should flow in one direction only.  If it is found to
> be good, and the output is still not over 14 volts, then clean the armature
> where the brushes rub,  Check the brushes for length and free movement, and
> if that fails then pull the smaller diodes on the inside and check them for
> current flow in one direction.  At this point, go ahead and replace the
> bearings with new sealed bearings from a local bearing house.  They are
> very inexpensive.  Some parts houses may still have the diodes.
>          Your AMC friend,
>           Gary Walker

>            Owner of some old AMC cars and stuff