For $160 (no core), Ron lists the "AL33XOR" as "U.S. Remanufactured,"
not Bosch remanufactured. So that's a bit confusing.

Anyway, Dennis Haynes suggested I check for a worn rear bearing by
taking off the belt and trying to rock the alt fan, but I detected no
rockerage, so it's not clear to me if my quickly worn brushes warn of an
alternator needing replacement or not.

<Insert image of squirrel scratching head here>

--
Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
Bend, Ore.
1984 Westfalia. A poor but proud people.
1971 "Ladybug"-brand utility trailer ca. 1972 from a defunct company in
San Clemente, Calif., now repurposed as The Westrailia.

Sent from my kitchen.

On 08/22/2011 05:17 PM, mark drillock wrote:
> Yes, the genuine AL33X is the only version I buy, in a Bosch box. I
> suggest the Van-Cafe one as I'm not sure what games Ron is playing with
> his part numbers. He sometimes uses other companies part numbers in ways
> that are confusing if not deceptive. If he is offering Rebuilt By Bosch
> parts but not telling the Official Bosch Rebuilt part number for the
> item then we can't be sure of exactly what we are ordering. Bosch uses
> their own specific numbers for their rebuilt items and AL33X is such a
> number. It is perhaps the most universal of the VW 90 amp alternators of
> the vintage covering our vans and many original Bosch longer part number
> versions are all replaceable by the AL33X unit.
>
> WBX Vanagons can also use an AL27X instead as the distinctions are very
> minor at most. I wonder if the BD unit is one of those or if perhaps
> they don't care to specify since it could allow them to ship either the
> 27X or 33X as available? Either will work about the same for WBX but for
> my mixed fleet the 33X works with diesel tachs while the 27X often won't
> so I have standardized on the 33X for all.
>
> Mark
>
> Rocket J Squirrel wrote:
>> Thanks, Mark.
>>
>> I'm seeing "AL33X" (Van-Cafe, $115 + $73 core) or "025903023EX"
>> (Busdepot, same pricing).
>>
>> Both are described a "genuine Bosch Rebuilt units." This pretty much
>> what you're recommending?
>>
>> --
>> Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
>> Bend, Ore.
>> 1984 Westfalia. A poor but proud people.
>> 1971 "Ladybug"-brand utility trailer ca. 1972 from a defunct company in
>> San Clemente, Calif., now repurposed as The Westrailia.
>>
>> Sent from my kitchen.
>>
>> On 08/22/2011 04:03 PM, mark drillock wrote:
>>> In general, I have had the best experiences with Bosch parts sold as
>>> "Genuine Rebuilt" and in Bosch boxes.