My 360 now has over 500 hrs on it using a Hitachi 35 amp alternator (from
the 1970's)  with a Deltaelectronics (VR600A) regulator with over voltage
protection.  My problem is that the alternator doesn't last.  I'm now having
problems with no. 5.  I thought it was heat and a 5/8 " diameter blast tube
was installed outletting cooling air on the body of the alternator.  Hasn't
helped.  Is there another automotive alternator out there using an external
regulator with a better performance history that will fit on the Lycoming
360 A engine?

Byron,

 

Why use something that continues to fail?  Maybe the regulator is killing the alternator?  Is the regulator located in the hot dead space high on the firewall (I have a small blast tube directed to mine)? Maybe a continuous high electrical load is killing the alternator?

 

I have over 500 hours on the B&C 60 amp + their regulator - it was important to me that the electrical system continue to work on a long cross country.  Otherwise, I would have to resort to a paper chart and a 12th century device - the compass