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69sprite

69sprite

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I finally able to get out this past weekend for a couple of short drives in my Sprite.

I really have enjoyed my car, since getting everything back together in Mid 2010.

One thing that has been bothering me since then has been a rattle/vibration that seems to be engine speed related, like sheet metal vibrating against a surface. I have been looking for quiet some time and I am kinda thinking I have it narrowed down to the original generator on the car.
At lower speeds, the noise is there, but as the engine idle is raised, it seems to go away. I think it is bearings/bushings in the generator, but will still need to do more diagnostics.

One thing I have been considering for a while is to do an alternator conversion.
In looking at the technical wiki, the item out there seems to recommend the Bosch 13107 alternator. Is this still the 'recommended' (easiest/best) replacement for the Lucas generator?

Thanks
Larry
 
I had a vibrating noise I couldn't find for many months.
Turned out to be the rubber bumpers on the bonnet were MIA.
Once I replaced them that noise went away, allowing me to hear lots of others! :smile:
 
I checked out the bonnet bumpers... but this noise happens with the hood open or closed...
 
So, with fan belt off and engine cold start it up and see if you have the noise.

Do not run more than 30 sec or so this way. Just think of it as a mini dragster, LOL.
 
Ummm...is there a Spridget that <span style="font-style: italic">doesn't</span> rattle?

Unless you suspect that it's caused by a real fault, and isn't just a loose something-or-other, it's probably a good idea to learn to love it. It's part of its character, like the oil spot on the driveway where you park it. Otherwise, it'll drive you nuts...!
 
I was in a rush a while back and bought the Moss Conversion Kit. It worked fine for me, but if you can find cheaper do it...Alternators are pretty simple, creates the AC current, sends it through a diode bridge to chop it to DC and that's about it.

WARNING: If you have an electronic distributor, you will need to convert it to negative ground.
 
How 'bout checkin' the exhaust system for sympathetic vibration?
 
Like was said, pull the belt. Couple of minutes easy unless you're loading it....plenty of time to figure out if the noise is there or not. If it is, and it's in the front.....timing chain? If the noise goes away, spin the water pump, too. Check the pulley for tightness at the crank. Also (and I've seen this...not on a Spridget) look for a cracked fan blade or center section.
 
Larry: Generator fan???? Just a guess. To find a errant noise try a piece of heater hose for a stethascope to pin point the source.

As to alternators there are a lot of smaller open frame alternators out there that don't require a cooling fan like the older ones. That should equal slightly better fuel economy. At least thats why I figured the industry has gone almost exclusively to the open frame design. Once you do a little study on how they are wired they all are pretty much the same and simple to wire up. I'm running one from a Ford Festiva and there are more compact ones that will do the job. Sprite Nut had a very nice looking small unit on his car. Perhaps someone here knows what it was off of.

Kurt.
 
Was it not from a Isuzu Pup, 1983, 48$ from NAPA
 
Larry,

This is my one of choice. I have installed this one on at least 6 cars (mine and others), but I have mine converted to a 1 wire. It mounts with all the factory alternator hardware, but requires clocking the case and an appropriate pulley. 105 Amps.

https://gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/alternatorTfisher.htm
 
I'm with Dad, jump the belt off and see. You can run it a minute or two if cold. Watch your gauge!!! If you're good enough, jump it back on. Well, I jump 'em off and on anyway.
 
I plan on pulling the belt tonight (Tuesday)... to check my theory.

Will get back with the results.

Thanks.
 
Oh, I have another son. Welcome to the family Kellysguy. You all stopping buy for dinner Thursday?
 
Auto X spridget group says Frank's (Sprite Nut) alternator was off of a late 80's early 90's Mazda pick-up. Nice small unit that looks at home on a spidget. Next convertion I do will be that one.

Kurt.
 
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