got a new rear main seal to fix the oil leak
and a new genuine HG when i swap the heads over
the spare alternator arrived
looks in good condition
take the back cover off
the slip rings appear in ok condition
the graphite bush unit is replaceable but tbh when the bushes are worn down, the slip rings are almost certainly worn deeply too and they're not replaceable
an ok amount of bush left, inner bush is more worn than the outer for some reason
wire brushed the pulley clean
ok lets assess the old alternator
removed the bush unit and heck it's proper worn down. bushing was sticking abit with dirt before i nudge n cleaned it, prob why the outer bush/ring wasn't making contact
word of warning before anyone thinks of taking their only working alternator apart:
they are not servicable by an average diyer unless ya wanna break it, as I just found.
remember, I post all my findings here, especially if I've broken stuff (after making sure i have a spare replacement) so you don't have too hopefully
I removed all the nuts n screws visible n try to pull the casing apart but it was on solid.
hmm try to pry it apart gently with a flathead, still not having it.
hmmm grr all else fails = brute force lol (alternators well worn and no use to me and got a spare anyway)
hammer n chisel it apart, feel the bearing nudging off the casing bit by bit
oops the stator wires are actually crimped onto the back diode circuitry plastic thing and the brute force has uncrimped it
meh, removed the diode circuitry
remove rear casing off the bearing
a plastic notched collar sits between the bearing and the casing
eek the slip rings definately on its way out
both bearings are push fitted onto the rotor shaft and casing, hence why it was difficult to pull apart
front bearing retainer bracket
well thats the old alternator investigated.
lesson here is if the alternator is faulty or well worn, there's no point in even thinking bout servicing it. chuck it away n get a replacement
next is to commence engine disassembly