Alternator Query (8V & 16V)

Hi All,

Quick question - can an 8v alternator be simply swopped out for the genuine 16v unit?
If I understand correctly the 16v alternator has a higher amperage capacity but other than that is there any dimensional changes, different electrical connections, would a different belt be required etc?

The reason I ask is that that my 8v alternator appears to be non-genuine and it is making a bit of noise (not the belt) and was wondering if I could swop it out with the 16v one without any hassle.

Cheers
Robert

 

OK cheers RJ - that's a bit of expense I didn't think I would have - I suppose the Bosch/Hella units are fetching lawless money these days. Nevertheless I will be on the lookout

 

what have you got to demand the extra amps?

id put the money towards fatter battery and earth cables myself

 

It's nothing to do with extra demand - it's the OEM OCD coupled with the fact that the non-genuine unit is making noise (could be a bearing) so - not that I needed much of an excuse I'm going to replace it with an OEM Bosch/Hella unit - it won't be the cheapest but when has that ever stopped me, I've ploughed so much money into (VW) cars at this stage - well let's not go down that road.

I was hoping to save a few quid by using the 16v unit which is sitting in my attic but of course it won't work - anyone want to buy a used (genuine 16v) alternator? You're going to have to wait about 8-12 months for it mind you.

 

Can someone re-confirm the VW numbers for the 8V alternator - If I go Bosch it's 6 903 023A (65A) or Hella it's 6 903 023B

VIN # is after the 1G-MW320001 threshold

Thanks

 

fit a new bearing then....nicer to repair german stuff

 

PB in fairness, I don't know if you're not getting what I'm saying here or what - the current alternator is not genuine (far east shall we say) and I'm not going to bother replacing a bearing on that. I'm going to get a new or possibly decent second-hand Bosch/Hella and stick that in.

 

Perfect RJ - that's all I needed.
Cheers