96 850 Voltage regulator 9162683 1 197 311 520

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Feb 2014, 15:41

I want to replace a dead voltage regulator. At the vendor web sites, there are two Bosch regulators recommended for the 100A alternator from the 850, and one regulator is much, much cheaper than the other. You can see them both here, the other web sites sell one or the other or both of them as well:

http://www.fcpeuro.com/Volvo-parts/850/ ... =206&e=153

The physically smaller Bosch part looks like the Huco part that others here have recommended in previous posts.

I also found this post relevant (http://www.turbobricks.org/forums/showt ... p?t=283918), I am wondering if one of those at FCP is for the 80A alternator? But that wouldn't match how FCP labels the parts on that web site.

So what's the difference? Which one is recommended and why?

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 04 Feb 2014, 17:49

I would pull the one that you currently have and see what it looks like. They both a very different so you need to make sure you buy the correct one.

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 05 Feb 2014, 05:14

I'm amazed how it seems like alternators have nearly doubled in the past few years. I guess its price of copper? But what makes regulators so expensive? Half the price of a complete alternator for a few diodes and brushes?

Post by **erikv11** » 05 Feb 2014, 07:11

I know! On the other hand there is a $12 option at eEuroparts, made by KAE, it's out of stock but still I don't trust it one bit.

Anybody actually know anything about the difference between these regulators? You can also come up with both types if you dig around at Volvopartswebstore.com.

I did pull the regulator from two alternators I have, both of them are the larger, more expensive type. So of course it will work, but is it necessary, is there any advantage to it? That is the reason for my post: why does everyone seem to recommend the cheap regulator? Has anyone who recommends it actually used it, or are they just reporting part numbers?

Would love to hear from someone who has actually rebuilt their 93-98 alternator, but fielding all opinions.

Post by **cn90** » 05 Feb 2014, 08:45

For brand name, I know the BMW people like HUCO, a very reputable company.

For fitment issue, I am not sure this one will fit yours...
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/5034/Vo ... r-4737151/

Post by **erikv11** » 05 Feb 2014, 09:01

Thanks, I started out by looking at that one because of links to it in the forum, it is similar to one of the parts listed on the fcp site, and the Huco crossover for the eEuro part is listed for these cars by many eBay vendors. If it works and works well, it would be a good way to go.

How well it works despite looking different (smaller) than the other part, and what is the difference, that is what I am wondering about.

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 05 Feb 2014, 09:53

its funny, even on the autozone website, regulators are priced higher than a alternator. the parts supplier dont seem to want to sell regulators.

Post by **erikv11** » 05 Feb 2014, 22:27

I pulled a third VR tonight, it is different, one of the smaller types (Bosch 1197311513).

Here's what I came up with poking around:

The 850 alternators seem to have (at least?) two types of voltage regulator, large format and small format. The alternators themselves are different, with different configurations for connections that correlate with which regulator is contained inside. The best bet indeed seems to pull the regulator, see what style it is, and replace it with the same part number. Otherwise, you may end up with a VR that will not work with the alternator you have.

The "larger" regulators (Bosch 1197311520) shipped on the later 850s. Key features:
- These larger VRs have LRC = Load Response Control. If there is a sudden call for output from the alternator, a reg with LRC will not instantly kick in, and drag down engine rpms. Instead it will kick in gradually over a few seconds. So LRC gives a smoother ride experience.
- This VR also has temperature compensation: output voltage decreases with increasing temperature. This is so the charging doesn't stress out the battery when it's hot.
- These VRs only charge at 14.1 volts, a bit low for some modern batteries (may not charge them sufficiently in the winter, e.g.) but just fine for more budget grade batteries.
- There is a tab connector built into the VR, for the "L" port on the back of the alternator.

There are several part numbers sold on the small regulators (the ones with no LRC, ) and I do not know all the differences (e.g. Bosch 1197311213, 1197311513, 1197311234). But here are some notes:
- No LRC, engine rpm may drop when there is sudden load on the charging system.
- No temperature compensation, they always put out the same voltage
- The small VRs I saw at fcp and eEuro all charge at 14.5 volts, which will be constant since there is no temp compensation. A bit high for most budget grade batteries, when it is warm they may wear them out faster due to gassing (overcharging). But good for some other batteries.
- These alternators do not have an "L" port/terminal, rather there is a "D+" terminal built into the alternator (no connector tabs on the VR). This can help you ID the alternator type.

I'll get a couple pics up to show the differences. There may be other types of 850 alternators, these are the only two I have out and easy to look at. Some of the 98's shipped with 80A alternators, the 850 ones are all 100A.

The crazy expensive VRs seem to priced by some bizarre circumstances, if you buy the Chinese replacement parts they are all priced about the same. If you want Bosch, you may have to pony up the $$. Perhaps Huco is a good alternative.

Since it seems you can't choose just any VR for a rebuild, you might want to grab an alternator that fits the kind of battery you use. For example, I have been buying "Energizer Premium" car batteries from Sam's Club, which are built for a high charging voltage (up to 14.8 V). So I would prefer to avoid the alternators with large format voltage regulators, which only trickle along at 14.1 V or lower. The 14.5 V output of the small ones should be just fine, and charge well in the winter, and a nice Bosch part can be had pretty cheaply.

Lots of voltage regulator specs can be looked up from these sites:
http://store.alternatorparts.com/
http://www.regitar.com/database/
Note: at some sites you must hyphenate the Bosch part numbers e.g. 1-197-311-520 vs 1197311520.

Also found this interesting, for thinking about matching the voltage regulator to the battery type:
http://www.landiss.com/battery.htm

Great resource page for DIY rebuilding:
http://www.rangerovers.net/repairdetail ... .htm#steps

Post by **erikv11** » 06 Feb 2014, 08:46

A few pics.

Left, rebuilt alt from a 96 850T:
Alternator = Bosch 0-123-505-104 = Volvo 9162683
Regulator = Regitar VRB229 = aftermarket sub for Bosch 1-197-311-520

Right, pulled from a 95 850R, probably original:
Alternator = Bosch 0-123-500-004 = Volvo 9162424
Regulator = Bosch 1-197-311-513