M38A1 Cdn 3 Alternator

[Edwin Wand]

We need to replace the alternator on our M38A1. The present alternator is a 24 Volt 60 amp Leece Neville a0013002ac which we understand is now NSN 2920 00 909 2483.

We are having difficulty finding a source. Some suppliers say they have the unit but the picture is different, others wont ship to Canada or sell to Non USA residents, etc. We are quite close to the US border and can easily bring parts into Canada.

There are good 24 volt generators available but the ones we have tried would require us to build a new frame to mount it.

Does anyone have suggestions on how we might identify an appropriate supplier for the NSN-2920-00-909-2483/a0013002ac?

[rob love]

They are on ebay all the time. Search using the NSN.

There are a half dozen or more various models of alternator that fill that NSN. Note that they fit into the same mounts and use the identical pulleys as the old 25 amp generators on the older m-series. There was a modification for almost all the various early m-series to go over to this alternator if more charging was required. This included the M37 family, the 5 ton family, and even the Ferrets had a mod to install these units.

Despite the minor differences between units and makers, they all were interchangeable, with the exception that some of the later vehicles with electronic tachs required the AC feed which was not on all units. Here in Canada, those alternators can still be found on the MLVWs, and used to also be on the 5/4 ton gas Chevrolets, the M151A2, the M38A1Cdn2 and 3, as well as the diesel 5 tons. If there are any scrapyards in your area with remnants of any of these vehicles, you may be in luck.

[Stan Leschert]

What part of Canada are you in? Out West, we found a shop which does an excellent job of rebuilding the fryed out stuff that I drop on their door. Ayers Auto Electric. North Vancouver, B.C.

[Edwin Wand]

We are in the Niagara area between Niagara Falls and St Catharines. Given our local experience, shipping the alternator somewhere shouldn't be a problem. I think part of our problem is that local service people don't know where to find parts.
Thanks for the suggestion.

[rob love]

We are at the MVPA convention right now, and there are a number of those alternators. Prices on most are pretty steep, ranging right up to over $600. Saw a few used ones, but haven't asked the price. There is also one vender selling the regulators for the prestolite version for $49. Often, that was all we had to replace on these to make them functional again.

A few decades ago I was selling entire M151A2 engine/transmissions for $150. That included the alternator and the distributor, which had the right dist cap and coil for the M38 family of jeeps.

[Edwin Wand]

Thanks Rob.
We do know the regulator isn't working so maybe our first step should be to find a replacement regulator.
Your advice about using the NSN number worked although the Prestolite Leece Neville web site told us that AMA-5104UT replaced the National stocking number 2920-00-909-2483.

[Scott Bentley]

Originally Posted by Edwin Wand

Thanks Rob.
We do know the regulator isn't working so maybe our first step should be to find a replacement regulator.
Your advice about using the NSN number worked although the Prestolite Leece Neville web site told us that AMA-5104UT replaced the National stocking number 2920-00-909-2483.

Have you tried Ralph Journeay at Niagara Military Parts? I know he scrapped a bunch of M151A2s and is right around the corner from you:

rjourneay (at) bellnet (dot) ca

[maple_leaf_eh]

There is a company sticker on the alternator of my M151A2 that looks like a Finning corporate program for repair or exchange. I suppose there are enough odd-ball industrial and earthmoving applications, that the company sees enough business in rebuilds. It might be worth asking your local Finning dealership.