Alternator interchangeability - AAZ/1Z/AHU - A/C - no A/C

[vwnut84]

Okay, so my alternator on my AAZ just crapped out (stud snapped AND my clutched pulley failed  ) so I have been searching around and I also posted a WTB in the forums.  On posting the WTB, I was informed that an AHU or 1Z alternator will also fit.  There is a yard about an hour south with a '96 Passat TDI that has an alternator.  My question is, does weather the fact that the vechicle has A/C or not matter?  My AAZ has no A/C, but it is the fixed alternator with the tensioner arm, not the adjustable alternator.  I'm assuming that there is no difference and they are interchangable, but figured I'd ask the people who know first.    Thanks a bunch guys!!!

-Chris-

[Helliouse]

I know on the 1.6L it does, you will need to swap v-belt pulley, for a Serp setup I am not sure.
On the V-Belt setup, the Alt pulley sits 1-.5" further out on the non-AC, the alt is also smaller, It was in my case. When I pulled my AC out, I had to fab a new mount and swap pulleys.

If you can see the car in the yard you should be able to see if the mounting is the same, but a 96 will have one of the engines you are looking for.

[vwnut84]

ugh, the yard just called back and informed me that they never even had a TDI in stock, they were pulling it from a 2.0l.  I know a 2.0 will fit but it's missing the ratcheting pulley.  Damn. 

[GTiTDi]

ugh, the yard just called back and informed me that they never even had a TDI in stock, they were pulling it from a 2.0l.  I know a 2.0 will fit but it's missing the ratcheting pulley.  Damn. 

Don't be too discouraged, even if it was a 96 Passat TDI it is doubtful that it had a clutched alternator pulley. The AHU powered late '97 Passats and '98 Jettas were the first to get them. The alternator I am running that came with the 1Z that I swapped into my '91 GTI didn't have a clutched pulley until I installed one. They can be obtained from any of the parts suppliers, and you might even be able to install it on an ABA alternator..but I also remember the ABA alternators only having one field wire connection and the 1Z/AHU's having two..

[vwnut84]

Well I bought the correct splined tool for the pulley so I at least have it in the future.  I do have a few ABA alternators at the shop that was going to put in and just buy a new pulley, but I didn't know about it missing the other wire on the alt.  I'm going to have to look into that when I get home.  I suppose it's missing the W terminal?  Or do the diesel alternators have two exciter wires?

Has anyone run an ABA alternator with any luck?

[srgtlord]

The aba alternator is exactly the same

[vwnut84]

That is great to hear! (I have about four of them).  Thanks a bunch guys!!!!

Back to driving the bunny for the week untill I get my new pulley and spline tool while the evil coupe sits and plots its next part breakage. haha