Evaluating the alternator mounting bracket upgrade
A potentially huge project versus failure at some future time
December 4, 2012Universal M25 Service Bulletin #193 - DC Alternator Mounting
Critical upgrade - You bet I take that seriously. Service bulletin #193 says the early Universal M25 alternator bracket should be replaced and there is a conversion kit for this. The bracket prone to failure is the kind with the adjusting arm that goes over the top of the alternator. The kind that's on Reality Check. There's some horror stories on forums about the bracket failure. So what's the problem? For me, it's the studs on the exhaust manifold that the bracket is to be attached to. They're too short, this means I have to take the manifold off and replace the studs with longer ones.
What's removing the exhaust manifold entail? This thread "Retro Alternator Bracket" on the Catalina 36 forum describes the issues with this project pretty well.
Fun project? Hmmm...
Alternator bracket mounted directly to front gear case cover, adjusting arm over the top of the alternator
Parts & Supplies
NOT a definitive list, this project is still on my To-Do list
- Conversion kit PN# 256891, Catalina Direct PN Z2738
- 50/50 Antifreeze/water mix to refill coolant system (Prestone).
- Exhaust flange gasket.
- A trusted mechanic! Those manifold studs may be a problem.