Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #18644
From: Paul <sqpilot@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Smaller Alternator
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2005 20:55:44 -0600
To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
I purchased and installed a smaller alternator for my rotary powered SQ2000. It is an alternator for a 1995-1997 Geo Metro automobile, and is 55 amps, and smaller than the stock Mazda alternator.  Fortunately, the width of the mounting ears and location of the tang where the alternator adjustment bracket attach are in the same location.  It looks identical to the 1989 Mazda alternator, except for it's reduced size. It is 55 amps.
     It came with a small serpentine grooved pulley, so I removed that and installed the double grooved pulley I got from Rusty. (Thanks, Rusty). Unfortunately, the pulley was concaved on the rear and would rub against the alternator body, so I had to make a small spacer to move the pulley just far enough away from the alternator case so it would not make contact. Fortunately, there were enough threads left to install the pulley. I also had to make a small sleeve to fit over the threads so that the pulley had more contact area inside (so that it would be on the new shoulder instead of against threads).
     The only other change necessary was the alternator mounting thru-bolt. The stock Mazda was 10 mm, and the new alternator required an 8 mm bolt.  I just went to CarQuest and got a 10mm to 8mm valve guide and as you can see in the picture, that was the end of that problem. Hope this is useful information to someone....anyone...???
    Paul Conner
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