AlternatorEater strikes again

[Rocketman]

Yes, the rumors are true.  AlternatorEater has struck again.  It was a good run on this one, but I have now replaced the alternator in my current Valkyrie 6 times (yes, 7 different alternators).  Big thanks to Rainmaker for being Johnny-on-the-spot with a new alternator to put in, even if that spot was ~100 miles from where he was when he got the call.  Gotta love good friends who have my back.

It died on the way to the hill country ride, at 1604 and 90, on the west side of San Antonio.  I raised Rainmaker by cell phone, and while waiting for him to arrive, pulled the old one out.  He arrived at 6:30, and we were on the road again not long after that.  I made him ride in the dark because of the detour, but we didn't freeze too much, and the only deer we saw were already dead. 
It ran fine all the way through the hill country, and back home.

Mark

[Firefighter]

What part of the alternator fails? Your awful lucky, you should buy a loto ticket!

[Rocketman]

The first five deaths were due to an overloaded electrical system, thanks to an amplifier that the previous owner had put in.  The failure was a short in the rotor, if I recall correctly.  They only lasted a few hundred miles each.  This one lasted 7 years and a lot more than 100 miles.  I'm guessing the brushes are just worn out this time.  I haven't had time to crack it open and look yet, though.

Mark

[Firefighter]

I replaced the brushes in mine at 50,000 or so miles, didn't look like they were very worn but I was there. But since then I notice the voltage seems to never drop any at all. Before I worked on the alternator at idle with the brakes on I could notice a small drop in voltage but not anymore. Maybe cleaning the rotor, I don't know, but it is a good thing anyway.

[Rocketman]

Well, this has been 59,000 miles since the last R&R.  That's why I'm thinking I'll find worn brushes when I open it up.

Mark