Taka's "counterpoint" about the Ultranator

[Orin Eman]

> Whether you were able to bench test it at the output you claimed or not,
> this is not an adequate rebuild in the eyes of several automotive
> service
> professionals. I stand by their judgment. The problem with the
> commutator
> raised doubts as to whether the alternator would be capable of a
> sustained
> output at that level, as the brushes would not be worn evenly and gaps
> thus
> created would eventually cause a loss of output.
>
> Heck, you didn't even seem to know what a commutator was. I'm not going

Why should he?  No commutator in an alternator.  Now you might find
a commutator in a starter motor or a generator, but not an alternator.
Bosch alternators have 'collector rings'.  There is a difference.

Now, lets assume you really meant collector rings, and that they were
grooved.  If you machine them to remove the grooves, that will
_remove material_; there will be less available to wear.  In fact,
wear will start at a point on the ring that is _lower_ than if you
hadn't machined them.   Just to be a little more contrary, once the
brushes wear to conform, there is more contact area between the
brush and collector ring.  So, is it advantageous to machine the
collector rings?  I don't think so.  Of course, if a Bosch rebuild
involves _replacement_ of the collector rings, that's a different matter...

Orin.