Old Parts continued ...

It was sunny and not too cold today (54 degrees/12 celsius) so I thought I'd fix the alternator.

That 33 year old "never rebuilt" Datsun 1200 alternator started making noise week before last, on the coldest morning of the winter. It took it off and to my surprise it had a roller bearing on the back end as well as front (american alternators use a bushing back there). No worries, I packed it like a wheel bearing and now it is quiet again.

Lesson: If you have spare parts on hand, get 'em ready ahead of time: bushings lubed, brushes checked, etc. It could save you having to do it twice.