The alternator saga continues...

After the aborted effort with the alternator from a wrecked Verada, I bought a new one instead (non-genuine tho).

Anyway, the new one arrived today, and after the usual wiggling and jiggling got it in place. Only problem is that the pivot mounting seems to be every so slightly wider than the standard/genuine part - enough so that the pivot bolt goes through, but not far enough to get the nut on to it (pulls up about 3-5mm short). The alternator fits, and when I hooked it up to do a drain test it passed with flying colours, but none of that really helps get the car operational again if I can't bolt it in place properly!

So...does anyone know where I would go to get a bolt the same as the standard pivot bolt, but a bit longer? There aren't too many places where I live, and the ones that are here aren't all that well stocked.

One thing I did notice that I don't think should be an issue (but I'll mention it in case anyone knows any reasons why it might be!) is that the pulley itself seems a bit wider than standard. The standard pulley has 4 ridges across it, but this one has 5 - every other measurement is exactly the same, it's just wider. I can't see how it would be an issue myself, but if anyone knows better...?

EDIT: this is what I have: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=280349153036

It's made/distributed by Cooldrive (http://www.cooldrive.com.au/products-autoelectrical.aspx)

hi well that alt might seem the same but it is for a different model you say your old one had 4 grooves in the pulley the new on has 5 that is for a wider belt
the standered one is narrower so if you put it on it could jump as there is more room for it to move between the edges lips that is also why your old bolt comes up short

The issues of the pulley width and the bolt length are not necessarily related, since the bolt is for the alternator mount itself (ie. nothing to do with the pulley).

However, you do make a good point re the pulley, I had not even realised that was a potential problem. I'll get on to the seller about that asap.

I'm really not having any luck at all with this damn thing - time to bite the bullet and just fork over the big dollars for a new genuine?

you could always go to an auto elec place that reco's alt and starter motors would be a cheaper option than buying a brand spanker

yeah, I was thinking of taking the dodgy ebay one in and seeing about getting it fixed up if possible - it'll still be a damn sight cheaper than new if it is otherwise fine. I'll get them to bench test it at the same time.

Haven't heard anything from the seller of the new one I got, but hopefully that will be resolved easily enough. $250 is not a lot to pay for a working alternator, but it's a very expensive paperweight when it doesn't work!

What model do you have, also get me a pic of the new and old and a pic of where the issue actually is if you can please

just make sure with the pulley that when you put the belt back on, its aligned properly. If not, see if you can swap the pulley from the old alternator over to the new one.