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50DN Substitute
I have a small oil leak from the shaft area, and another from a small bolt on the top. I had Liberty replace the seal some time ago, which was only a temporary fix. In researching what is in store for me I found the Penntex PX-833 as an air-cooled substitute. Thoughts of this or any other?
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25 Replies
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Personally, I would either fix the leak or clean the oil periodically and revisit the issue as to using a substitute alternator if and when the 50DN quits.
They are robust, parts are available, and if you are satisfied with its longevity I think an air cooled substitute 50DN is now available.
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Karl,
There were postings on an alternator substitute in January of ’13. I do not know what the gentleman ended up doing, but you can read the discussion and my experience with Niehoff alternators as a viable substitute. I have rebuilt the alternaor once in my Magna, if a Prevost is not in my future, I will go with Niehoff next time.
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We have had customers do the update to the Penntex air-cooled alternator and they love it.
Remember, the oil cooled 50DN came from military tanks, where an air-cooled alternator was not acceptable, but this is also 40-50 year old alternator technology. The Penntex is actually rated at 330 amps, but is much more efficient, so actually takes less horsepower away from the engine to drive it than the 270-amp 50DN. Plus, the lack of oil leak concerns makes it a great choice. The other upgrade is to consider a 500-amp C.E.Niehoff, but wiring changes are almost always required with this choice. The battery equalizers and cabling that are existing with the Delco 50DN installation usually do not need any change when upgrading to the Penntex. Even the Delco regulator works with the Penntex, but I still recommend getting the latest new regulator to mate with it to eliminate possible problems.
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I’ve been on the Penntex for a couple years. The alternator itself has been fine but I did have an issue with bolt failures on the alternator mounting bracket at the block which may or may not have been related to the alternator change. Upgrading the bolts to 1/2″ seems to have resolved the issue.
1999 XLV X-6872, liberty #440 -
C’mon Freddy, it’s time for a bus. You’ve had your Magna 13 yrs., so an uprade is in your future!
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Have very little service here sorry can’t answer anything but maybe this will go threw I have penntex and new regulator works great 330 amp
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Any one know app cost to reman on a 50DN and also cost of Px-833 mine is of and going to rebuilders soon seen on this forum there is a alternative thanks Busman
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Delco 50 DN 270 amp
$15000 
Penntex PC 833 air cooled
350 amp
$17490 includes change-over kit
Bus famous oil seal repair kit – front pulley
$480
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That seal kit didn’t last me 6 months. The amount I of oil I am losing is negligible, but I also learned that there was a non-mandatory modification to the oil line on the alternator that was not done for mine. When it finally gives up, I think the Penntex is what I am going to go with unless I can get partial credit for my working trade.
Does Prevost stock the Penntex?
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I replaced my last 50DN with one from Elreg. At the time, no core charge total cost $860. It was an original equipment Delco.
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KARL: If by “non-mandatory modification to the oil line” you are referring to a larger oil return line routed differently, you can forget it; didn’t help me.
As of 18-24 months ago, Prevost Mira Loma did not stock the Penntex.
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Tell me more, Jon.
Joel, so what makes one switch before it gives up the ghost?
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Here’s the link……….
When I purchased my alternator it was brand new and a Delco. They have a lot of options for you. Based on my experience the 50DN has worked well. The oill leak is a seal replacement and it should go for years and years without leaking so the repair was likely not done right. It is no big deal to replace the seal and Elreg has parts.
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I wouldn’t switch prior to having issues with your Delco. In my case, I went through 3 in 2 years. Can’t remember what happened to my oem at about 125,000. Replaced with new Delco which literally fell apart (bolts holding both halves loosened and broke on road—could have lost the engine due to oil loss) and then a reman which leaked. Had enough of an antiquated design and/or terrible quality control.
P.S. Although it’s probably not a bad idea to check the bolts holding the case halves together occasionally to avoid buying a new series 60!
1999 XLV X-6872, liberty #440 -
Is this an opportunity for safety wire?
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