just stripped all the power steering pump and AC gubbins off the ecotec to find the alternator is completely seized.

any recommmendations for a replacement, and cheap too

research shows kubota 12v tractor alt to favourite

got mine from fleabay £35 brand new from tatumjillpaul@aol.com,dosnt seem to have any on sale at the mo

Having just ditched my Lucas (Landrover, Escort etc fitment) item due to two burnt out units in 500 miles, i have replaced it with a Nippon Denso item, which is probably the same make and style as the Kubota one you mentioned. The advantage is that it is designed to run at high speed and is very compact. Mine came off a toyota starlet, but i also tried one off a corolla but the fittings were not quite right for me.
Hope that helps.
Nick

Oh, and it cost £25 from the scrappy - and get the plug in the back if you can.

[Edited on 10/4/07 by hibutts]

Bedford Rascal is pretty popular too, though don't think it's quite as small at the Kubota. Works on my Pinto ok.

Cheers,
James