Tech Talk With Fran

What is 'Tech Talk With Fran'?

Hello, my name is Fran Watson and I am Managing Director here at DFJ Automotive. After many years of experience in the automotive business, I would like to share some advice and insights through 'Tech Talk With Fran'.

Tech Talk will allow me to correct and advise common misconceptions or give helpful tips that may come in handy when working with or around automotive applications, such as heavy duty starter motors and alternators.

Mercedes Actros MP4 and MP5 Starter Motors

It has become apparent that a common error in the cross reference data on most websites relating to Mitsubishi and Delco starters fitted to Mercedes Actros MP4/MP5 2011. Ergo, the Delco 29mt unit fitted must be replaced by 29mt. This unit is shorter in length than the Mitsubishi variant. If you try and fit the Mitsubishi in place of the Delco type you could end up in trouble. It could foul on the ancillary engine equipment at the back of the starter motor. The Delco unit has been made obsolete by Delco. We get around this problem by grafting the drive end bracket and pinion off the old Delco starter onto a new a new motor and solenoid. I urge you to beware...

Denso Active Lamp Alternators

Furthermore, it has come to our attention that people are commonly struggling with the Delco Active Lamp Alternators. You may have noticed that when the alternator below is replaced by an aftermarket item that you still get the warning light glowing, that is because the regulators in of the aftermarket units are not manufactured correctly. Most of the sites you will visit will supply you with a dud unit. Here, we fit the correct regulator to our new unit and it works reliably.