For those that haven't seen this already:

Ok. so I'm having alternator issues.

I've got a fair collection of alternator bits, but I just can't seem to make
one complete one up, due to a number of reasons.

I'd just like to get a new one!

However, looking at the 'family pictures', I'm not really sure what part
number is the one that I need. Looks like there are at least 7 different part
numbers to pick from, with no real indication of which one is what..

Between all the alternators that I've pulled apart and put together again,
I've found out:

-Not all armatures are the same length between front bearing and brushes (Bad when the regulator brushes don't *quite* land on the slip rings. Just BTDT!)

-Not all 'back cases' are drilled to accomadate the tin 'heat shield'

-Diode packs don't all mount to the rear case in the same way

-Not all alternators use the same mounting setup. Some use the 'two pronged fork' adjustment, and some use the 'gear' adjustment scheme.

And finally, I'm not even sure if the urq alternator is *supposed* to be under the turbo, as I have a MC motor installed.


So here's my real questions:

1) Do I really NEED that heat shield thing on the back of the alternator?
(Seems it would keep the air being sucked into the alternator a bit cooler)

2) What is the part number for a 90 Amp alternator that sits under the turbo, that uses the 'two pronged fork' method of adjustment (NOT the gear thing), and preferrably is set up to allow mounting of the heat shield on the back?

Whew!

Nothing simple here, is there?

Regards,

Ok, here it is :
for 1985 car, 90A, part number for rebuild 034 903 017AX and Bosch short number is AL31X,
for cars 1982-1984 is 035 903 017AX and short Bosch number AL 115X, also 90A alternator.

Looks like the alt changed again for '86 cars. I'd like to have the info for that if you've got it handy, just in case...

Thanks for the info.. but..Remember that my urq has a MC motor installed..

Does the part number you give for the alternator result in an alternator that:
1) Mounts using the 'two prong fork' method
2) Have attachment for the tin heatshield

I'm a bit worried ordering an alterntor without being sure.

Also, I don't see thae part number you show as one of the six in the 'master parts' software.
But then, the part number of the alternator that I had on the car isn't in the master parts list as a possible option either..

All very confusing, and making it really hard to figure out if I'll get an alternator that'll work on first try at ordering... :-)

...I crossed every 90a generator to 068 903 018b minus the v-pulley and fan wheel. The part number for v-pulley is 035 903 119 and 068 903 171a which was also found in the Urq generator page, 5000t and 5ktq, 200t and 200tq pages. there are about 8 different part numbers for for 90a generators between the three models but it looks like they all could take a 068 903 018b.I'll look tomorrow but i think the WX altenator is right under the turbo as well.Unfortunately ETKA descriptions and diagrams are pretty generic and I don't have a giant parts bin linked to my ETKA to pull the parts and inspect them like at the Audi Stealer parts counter.HTH Kat

Info I give you is from Bosch and from Audi service buletin and for WX type engine and for STOCK type mount and heat shield on the back. Heat shield you have to transfer from alternator to alternator.Adjustment is via what you call "fork" not like on 4KQ.

That's great information. Straight from the 'mouth' as it were.

I'm sure you can understand my 'fear' of getting an alternator that won't fit. As Mike indicates, there is no lack of part numbers to select from!

However, I've found that I may not really need that tin heat shield, so that's a plus. (Not all cases are drilled for holes to mount the alternator).

But there is still that mounting method differences: The audi parts master shows both gear & fork mountings, but with a VIN no break point.

As a detail, I've seen 4kq's with both mounintng method also. Doens't seem to matter what 4kq model year either...

THe best suggestion I've received is to move the altrnator over to the left side, as the 4kq is placed. Much motre room, less heat, and possibly more cooling available on the turbo side of the motor. I've got no AC, so that shouldn't be too hard to do..

Thanks for all the help everyone!