7 mm thin-wall tube spanner or hex socket

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

I am attempting to take the voltage regulator off a Lucas "style" alternator. The issue is that my sets of Kincrome, Sidcrome, Trojan a some "no name" mini sockets feature socket walls that are too thick. The three 7 mm hex head bolts are in a deep and very thin recess which none of my sockets can fit into.

I spent hours today going to four specialist tool suppliers; an autoparts store; and a hardware store. I also took the alternator to a local auto electrician. All without success. The options I was given were to: 1) get a die grinder and make the recess wider in the voltage regulator casing so a socket will fit; 2) grind down a 7 mm socket until the wall is thin enough to fit into the recess; or 3) do a combination of both.

The details about the alternator: it is known as either a Land Rover part number: RTC5084; or a Lucas code of LXA119; or A127 Type alternator. They fit everything from Land Rovers including my ex-Army Series 3; Land Rover Defenders; Massey Ferguson tractors and some Fords to name a few. So it is not a "rare" part.

The voltage regulator has a parts code of YR-818 or alternatively UCB150

Does anyone know of a supplier of thin-wall 7 mm hex nut tube spanners or hex sockets?

I also went to an electronic parts store and their hex nut drivers only go up to 6 mm - sigh!

I need to change the brushes and reassemble the alternator. I had to split it into half so I could clean it properly after it was subjected to years of being sprayed by a faulty power steering pump on a farm. It was just one chunk oil laced grot, grime and cow manure. I just need to change the two brushes - or get the whole voltage regulator.

The Catch 22 situation is that to reassemble the two halves of the alternator I have to take the voltage regulator off so the brushes do not get damaged. Then fit the voltage regulator as the final step before re-installing the alternator back into the vehicle. To do this I need to be able to get the bolts off and put them back on.... Catch-22 .... Argghhh!

I included an image of the alternator's voltage regulator.

Imaged accessed 11th November 2021 from, https://www.ebay.com/itm/311909551662...

No the company does not sell tools - I emailed them and other suppliers of the part!

Kind regards
Lionel