update to alt problems

[sad_rocc@veedub.com (Dan Smith)]

Finally got the voltage regulator from NAPA today. When I went to install it, it turns out it doesn't fit. The outside box is wide to fit a bosche alt. What I did notice is that it seemed to be designed to cover up that space, which seemed like a good thing. The regulator I have now leaves a lot of space. When I compared the brushes, the old one had definite arches from wear but was not worn down a significant amount. It seems like a pretty simple device, is there anything else that can go wrong with it? Also, after I removed the regulator, I noticed a fairly long screw inside the alt. It was a bit chewed up so I'm really hoping it didn't damage anything inside. I have no idea where the screw came from or how it got in there, but hopefully that's what was causing the problem. Is there a good chance my alt is damaged now? The battery is completely dead and I haven't had a chance to jump it yet, so if I'm lucky my problem may be solved.

Since this post is pretty long, here's the summary:
Don't get a NAPA voltage regulator, they won't fit.
Does the voltage regulator fail for some reason other than worn brushes?
Is a screw in the alt likely to damage it?

Thanks,
Dan

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