Alternator maintenance/rebuild

[Motorhobo]

I'll have an extra 50amp alternator and am considering sending it out to be refurbished. I have read these alternator threads:

http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,788.0.html
http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,1709.0.html

but I have so much on my plate right now I'm probably better off sending it to an alternator specialist rather than spend hours dinking with it. This alternator is from a 22 year old high-mileage bike - I want an assessment or preventative rebuild to get it off my list of crap to worry about. The nearest alternator guy to me is 1.5 hours away, so I'm going to have to ship it out anyway. Anyone have a recommendation for an alternator specialist? I live on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, someone close would be great, otherwise I'll ship it anywhere preferably on the Eastern Seaboard.

If it's too expensive to have it done, I'll try it myself but I'm not looking foward to it -- does anyone know of any do it yourself procedures for alternator rebuild besides the ones above?

Thanks...MH

[Martin]

At least pull it apart and assess it, it could be an easy fix.
C.heers Martin.

[Motorhobo]

Problem is, it works fine as is -- what I'm looking for is preventative maintenance and I'm not sure I would recognize it if something were amiss and on the verge of failure. I'd much rather give this to someone who knows wtf they're doing even if I have to pay them for their experience and knowledge. I know -- pay someone for their experience and knowledge -- who does that? Well, I kind of depend on people paying me for mine, so once in a while I don't mind paying other people for theirs, especially if it's something I know diddly about.

[Martin]

Not a lot to check, make sure the bushes/ bearings are not worn. In the case of bearings the should rotate smoothly not notchy, no excessive lateral play, end play within tolerances not excessive. Brushes should be wearing evenly and in the permitted length tolerances. Commutator should appear smooth no scarring or deep wear. Commutator segments should be well defined with even well defined separation.
C.heers Martin.

[Motorhobo]

All right Martin you heartless bugger -- I will add it to my already-overloaded to-do list and staple it to my nuts -- but if they start dragging on the floor I'm going to ignore you and send it out to an auto electrics shop.

[Martin]

Only do it if your heart is in it, Lectric Gremlins know when your heart is not in it and will attack with vengeance. No shame in going to a professional. Just thought I would give you a run through on what to check.
Regards Martin.

[Motorhobo]

I appreciate the encouragement -- at this point it's up to the to-do list stapled to my testicles.