Alternator Brushes

[Big_John]

When I was swapping the carb and manifold, I changed the fuel line from the pump to the carb. Pulling the alternator, I noticed that there was quite a bit of black stuff on the back. I cleaned it off and decided to check the brushes. One brush holder screw was a little loose... I pulled it out and the brush was worn at an angle. Pulling the other brush, it was quite worn down.

O'Reilly had new sets of brushes and they were under $10, although I had to order them online. Standard CX1T being the part number.

Old v. New.

Cheap and simple to change, and much cheaper than buying another alternator. If you do this, just watch where the insulating washers are as you take it apart. I had to reuse one insulator as it didn't match what was there. Sorry, no other pics.

This alternator didn't have that many miles on it. I can't remember where I got this alternator, but I do know it was a rebuilt unit. The brushes still some miles in them, but I think the wear is excessive. Possibly too soft. I had an older, used alternator on the shelf that I pulled the brushes out of and they had the same amount of wear.... Probably a tom more miles on it too.

Since I'm on the subject, I bought one of these tools a couple years ago and I wonder how I got along without it all these years. This makes it a lot easier.

Buy one here: Chrysler Alternator Belt Tension Tool

 

[3175375]

When I was swapping the carb and manifold, I changed the fuel line from the pump to the carb. Pulling the alternator, I noticed that there was quite a bit of black stuff on the back. I cleaned it off and decided to check the brushes. One brush holder screw was a little loose... I pulled it out and the brush was worn at an angle. Pulling the other brush, it was quite worn down.

O'Reilly had new sets of brushes and they were under $10, although I had to order them online. Standard CX1T being the part number.

Old v. New.

Cheap and simple to change, and much cheaper than buying another alternator. If you do this, just watch where the insulating washers are as you take it apart. I had to reuse one insulator as it didn't match what was there. Sorry, no other pics.

This alternator didn't have that many miles on it. I can't remember where I got this alternator, but I do know it was a rebuilt unit. The brushes still some miles in them, but I think the wear is excessive. Possibly too soft. I had an older, used alternator on the shelf that I pulled the brushes out of and they had the same amount of wear.... Probably a tom more miles on it too.

Since I'm on the subject, I bought one of these tools a couple years ago and I wonder how I got along without it all these years. This makes it a lot easier.

Buy one here: Chrysler Alternator Belt Tension Tool

Brushes are a great way to save the alternator. I am surprised that you can still get them. The adjustment tool is a great idea!

 

[Toolmanmike]

Filko C7x fits most Mopar alternators from 70-78. They will work in my Swinger alternator. C-1RX for 61-65 so those should fit my 64 alternator. They are still around. Filko C-7X Brush Set Chrysler Dodge Plymouth Valiant Dart NOS Vintage | eBay

 

[Big_John]

Filko C7x fits most Mopar alternators. They are still around. Filko C-7X Brush Set Chrysler Dodge Plymouth Valiant Dart NOS Vintage | eBay

The Standard set was available online at O'Reilly. CX1T $8. NAPA had them too, part# ECH M401, also online for $12 plus shipping. Both sets also include the insulators and new fiber washers. I don't understand why, but both were available "online only" and could be shipped to me. O'Reilly had the option to pick up at the store. I went for pickup because I thought it would be faster, but they were a day later than promised. My first choice is usually NAPA because it's closer and I know people working there, but cheaper and faster won out.

The Standard set was China built, but what isn't now. Most likely the NAPA Echlin set is too. You might be able to buy a NORS set that is US made, but they might not be any better.

 

[Samplingman]

I just went through this. I went to NAPA as well, $12 no problem then they told me $20 shipping to the store, WTF? No one else charges shipping with store pickup. I ended up getting two sets for $28 from Rock Auto, 5% discount and a cool car magnet, lol.

 

[Toolmanmike]

I just went through this. I went to NAPA as well, $12 no problem then they told me $20 shipping to the store, WTF? No one else charges shipping with store pickup. I ended up getting two sets for $28 from Rock Auto, 5% discount and a cool car magnet, lol.

That's bs for sure. They have delivery to the store from their regional warehouses daily. May be these parts came from a warehouse in another state?

 

[Samplingman]

That's bs for sure. They have delivery to the store from their regional warehouses daily. May be these parts came from a warehouse in another state?

Yes, they were coming from Ohio to New Jersey and they said it was the standard shipping charge. USPS for something that small was no more than $5. Thought it was a money grab and walked out. Too bad because the local NAPA is usually a good source for hard to find parts, but recently they have been closing stores and limited inventory, almost every thing I need has to be ordered.

 

[Big_John]

That's bs for sure. They have delivery to the store from their regional warehouses daily. May be these parts came from a warehouse in another state?

Yes, they were coming from Ohio to New Jersey and they said it was the standard shipping charge. USPS for something that small was no more than $5. Thought it was a money grab and walked out. Too bad because the local NAPA is usually a good source for hard to find parts, but recently they have been closing stores and limited inventory, almost every thing I need has to be ordered.

I think it's important to remember that most NAPA stores are independently owned. ~1500 out of 6000 (I looked that up) are owned by Genuine Parts.

My local NAPA is independent, while the rest of the stores in the Syracuse area are Genuine Parts corporate stores. The independent store buys everything from the local Genuine Parts warehouse. Everything is pickup and delivery, no shipping. I had to pay shipping once (at a Genuine Parts store) when an odd, possibly discontinued part was only found in some other state.

From what I've been told, Genuine Parts NAPA stores are struggling in some areas. Their abysmal software system doesn't help. My local (independent) store keeps Rock Auto website up all the time to get part numbers, which they then can cross to NAPA/Echlin parts.

BTW, I can't say enough good about my local NAPA. They are always on the ball and friendly. They just had their annual charity car show this past weekend that is one of my favorite shows. Live music and this year, they had a dyno there.

 

[413]

When Napa has to get it from outside where their local warehouse serves, then you pay the shipping. Been like that since the early 90's that I know of.

Napa prices are the highest of all of them, have been for a while.

 

[73Coupe]

When I was swapping the carb and manifold, I changed the fuel line from the pump to the carb. Pulling the alternator, I noticed that there was quite a bit of black stuff on the back. I cleaned it off and decided to check the brushes. One brush holder screw was a little loose... I pulled it out and the brush was worn at an angle. Pulling the other brush, it was quite worn down.

O'Reilly had new sets of brushes and they were under $10, although I had to order them online. Standard CX1T being the part number.

Old v. New.

Cheap and simple to change, and much cheaper than buying another alternator. If you do this, just watch where the insulating washers are as you take it apart. I had to reuse one insulator as it didn't match what was there. Sorry, no other pics.

This alternator didn't have that many miles on it. I can't remember where I got this alternator, but I do know it was a rebuilt unit. The brushes still some miles in them, but I think the wear is excessive. Possibly too soft. I had an older, used alternator on the shelf that I pulled the brushes out of and they had the same amount of wear.... Probably a tom more miles on it too.

Since I'm on the subject, I bought one of these tools a couple years ago and I wonder how I got along without it all these years. This makes it a lot easier.

Buy one here: Chrysler Alternator Belt Tension Tool

I could use one of these tools as well, but this one says only applicable for '61-'68 alternators. Is that true? Will it fit your fuselage 300 (or maybe this is on that car...)?

 

[Big_John]

I could use one of these tools as well, but this one says only applicable for '61-'68 alternators. Is that true? Will it fit your fuselage 300 (or maybe this is on that car...)?

I'm using it on my '70 with a square back alternator, so I'd say it's good.

 

[volksworld]

yup NAPA's website sucks...any other chain you know if the stuff is in stock or what other branch has it...NAPA is usually "call store for availability"...when I'm in the store they can tell me what other branch has it but the website can't...if its local they'll deliver it to my store for free but with the charge for shipping I might as well hit Rockauto, Amazon etc...John I really like that tool, that's one I've never seen before