Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 12:32
Footy,
With older vehicles, I'd be taking my alternator out before I went, and checking the bearings for noise and the brushes for length. If any doubt, stick a new set in. Regulators just "go" without warning. And if you have to travel thru water, a spare alternator is security.
Where to carry an alternator hasn't been a problem for me - we travel light and have the space, and an alternator isn't big or heavy. I picked up a used one off Ebay, and checked it worked, but new ones can be had for $250. If you're pushed for space, you could just remove the diode pack, internal regulator and brush holder out of the Toyota alternator and just take them.
I try to only carry the critical spares - stuff that would leave you stranded; but if you are travelling in a group, and you mostly have the same vehicle, we share around extra spares. A welding kit would have to been our most useful "spare" in recent years. Can get you out of the worst trouble.
The starter motor raises similar issues and moreso with an auto travelling solo.
I'd be pretty confident of getting a starter motor going if it had burnt contacts etc. but once again, the security of a second vehicle would mean you can pullstart a manual vehicle.
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