International Lancia Forums

Hello there,

I need some help with an Bosch alternator for a series 1 HF.

I'm told my one is spent and I need to find a new one. I am currently in Italy so does anyone know where I can find one here (anywhere else) or if there a modern alternative that can either used for parts or exchanged.

If anyone can offer advice I'd be most grateful

Thanks in advance

Mortuza

I strongly suspect that the earlier alternators had germanium diodes. I haven't tested them so I don't know for sure. If the forward voltage drop is 0,3Volts it is germanium. If it is 0,6Volts it is silicon.
I would not want an alternator with germanium diodes. And I prefer not to have one with the early silicon diodes either.
So if you are not too concerned about originality I would go for a modern one. I am sure a good auto electricity shop can help you find one.

It pays to find a good auto electricity shop with friendly helpful people and build up a relation with them. When I work on Fulvia's I often have to make decisions to either take it to a specialist or do it myself and invest in tools, know how and experience. If I decide to take it to a specialist, the decision is usually based on the people. It is always nice to visit people who enjoy their work, do a good job, share knowledge and tell an exciting story or two from the past. There is no way I would ever decide to do it myself as long as it is a pleasure to visit these people. In fact I find it to be part of the joy in owning and driving a classic car.
These sort of people are still around in the field of carburetors and auto electricity. Your treasure hunt is thus not for the alternator but for the right people.

I am fortunate to have one nearby. So if you cannot find such a guy in your area let me know.

If you mount a modern one with built in regulator you should put in a ground connection between engine and body. This is often forgotten. The return current then has to find its way through choke cable, speedo cable or whatever. With the original set up the ground wire is one of the wires going to the regulator.

There are very nice and reliable 55 amp units on the market. I would not go any higher than 55 amps as it is about the maximum for the type of V belt as used on the Fulvia. 55 amp at 14 volt is 770 watts which is 1 HP.

Even with the 55 amp unit I would make sure that the total current excluding current to charge the battery remains below 40 to 45 amps to limit wear on V belt and pulleys.

Also increase the size of the thick wire going from alternator to starter motor to handle the 55 amps.

Once again, excellent advice from Huib.

On my Fulvia I have fitted a Japanese alternator that came (I think) form a Mitsubishi Colt. It was not very easy to fit, but it is the same size as the pathetic 28-amp jobbie that Fulvias came with but delivers 55 amps.

On the other hand I once did improve a Fulvia alternator (Bosch). I found an alternator that came I think, from a FIAT Panda or perhaps early Uno. It said "Marelli" on it but it was obviously Bosch. I removed the front cover and bolted-on the Fulvia's alternator front cover instead. The FIAT alternator was rated at 33amps being less antique, and the whole thing really worked very well.

A possible alternative for those with some money is to look at the wonderful alternators available for competition use; they are so tiny... Today I fitted a (competition-type) minute starter motor to a 4.7 litre Ford Mustang. It must weigh at most half of the normal Bosch Fulvia one, but it spins over the big V-8 like nobody's business.

Progress I suppose...

Paul

Hi thanks Huib for your treasure of infomation.

I think that you've hit the nail on the head. I am in a small village in Italy and it very cottage industry here but the workmanship is truly excellent and great pride is taken in their work which is also very imortant.
And since it is such a small community here the people here are as friendly as you say they should be, like you said its a total pleasure to see them when something goes wrong I can't fix myself. I ofter spend three or four times more time than I planned visiting them here..and of course they all love cars and seem espcially enamoured with Fanalona.

...Well onto the alternator...

Magno (my electrician) made some modifcations to the Bosch alternator (fitted to my series 1, 1,6HF) by removing the external regulator, removing the brushholder and fitting a regulator with brushholder incorporated (Bosch part number1197311090). Then adding an earth to the body.

This seems to have cured the lack of charge to the battery which is new and everything is fine.

I hope these modifications help anyone with the same problem though I wouldn't mind locating a lightweight alternator which more power. If anyone can suggest an alternator I'd be grateful.

I'm now going to get the exaust sorted. One of the silencer boxes is missing so everyone can hear me coming which isn't very nice especially if you are sleeping but great if you like that sound she makes and change the handbrake cable which is quite important especially if you happen to live in the mountainous region of southern Italy.

Thanks Huib and Paul for your suggestions. I'll try to let people know whats happening with Fanlona as she progresses - if no one minds

Bye for now
M

You are lucky to live in Italy where the people have invented friendliness, pride and good workmanship. And the latter at Fulvia prices too. Here we are confronted with Flaminia prices. "Mafia" your local friends would probably call it. Indeed, the world is really upside down from what we are made to believe.

The Fulvia in general and the Fanalone in particular does have a reputation in Italy. Also in Corsica. Christel, a young photographer here from Breda, just finished a 2 month photo shoot in Corsica. See pics below. Quite a few times, men threw themselves on the bonnet praising her Fulvia.
My secret agenst tell me that although the Corsicans do speak some sort of French, they really want to be Italians in their hearts. So, let's say it is fifty fifty for the Fulvia and for the young lady.

Getting back to the alternator. Your guy did a good job. Nippon Denso has some nice light weight alternators. Their bearings are tiny however. If you still have the double pulley, thus a long arm between V belt and front bearing, you also want big bearings in the back of the dynamo to take the leverage force.