Alternators from DT Spare Parts – presented by the Parts Specialists

Date: Tuesday 02 April 2024

The alternator in a vehicle is rarely noticeable, but does a great job. It is responsible for providing the power supply for the electronic consumers. This includes for example the lighting system. As a result, the alternator is known as the “light machine” for a good reason. Without it, the battery cannot be charged and the vehicle is inoperable.

In the new PS Tips video, Parts Specialist Kevin from Diesel Technic explains the structure and function of an alternator. He also looks at the different construction forms that need to be considered. The alternators from DT Spare Parts are available in various sizes and current ratings from 29 to 140 amps. With this, the product brand offers a wide range of items.

In terms of voltage, a distinction is made between alternating and direct current alternators. As the names suggest, AC voltage alternators output different current values. This means that they are mainly used in bus transport, as the current voltage must be adapted to the various functions on the bus. 

The product promotion includes 185 articles of the brand DT Spare Parts. In addition to the alternators, the brand has many individual accessories. These include repair kits, pulleys, carbon brushes and rectifiers. These and other products can be found in the new Diesel Technic Partner Portal. The articles can for example be used for the brands DAF, Fendt, Fiat, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Neoplan, Renault, Scania and Volvo.
 
With the in-house developed Diesel Technic Quality System (DTQS), the high product quality of the DT Spare Parts brand is guaranteed and ensured for the future. Continuous product improvement processes are the basis for the creation of branded spare parts for different requirements. A separate test bench is used to continuously check the quality of the alternators. There, the alternator passes through a prescribed programme, which is used to check whether it outputs the correct speeds and suitable current levels.

A tip from Parts Specialists Kevin is to look out for external damage. If defects are detected there, it can lead to a complete failure of the motor, as no continuous power supply is guaranteed. A damaged or occluded regulator can also be the cause of a breakdown. The function of the regulator is to monitor the generated current of the alternator and to prevent an overload. For this reason, the regulator must be checked to prevent the item from abrading. Another error pattern are cracks in the pulley. This problem is caused by using the wrong pulley tension or using an incorrect number of torques. If an alternator with integrated carbon brushes is used, the carbon brushes must be checked regularly to prevent early malfunction.

For questions about the alternator or other topics, the Parts Specialists HelpDesk is available at: https://helpdesk.dieseltechnic.com.