MG Car Repair: alternators, roadster factory, moss motors

Question
every month or so my 1975 MGB wont start - dead battery .. so I charge it up and off I go for another month.. until the same thing happens. I have checked for parasitic draw and can't find anything. I'm wondering if my alternator is bad? Maybe it is not charging up my battery? So I thought I would try replacing it.
Q: what model alternator should I use and where can I get one?
Q: is it a big job to replace? I haven't done it before.
TIA

Answer
Hi Aaron,
You should test the alternator before condemning it. Just first check belt tension and if that is tight put a volt meter across the battery posts and read the battery voltage then start the engine and set the idle at a fast idle (1500 RPM) and read the volt meter. It should read 13.8 to 14.5 volts. If it does, go to any auto parts store and ask to have your battery load tested to see if the battery is failing.

If the alternator failed it's test you can either have it rebuilt locally at any Starter/Generator shop or purchase a new or rebuilt one from either, Engel Imports, The Roadster Factory, British Parts North West, Moss Motors, Victoria British or any of the many mail order MG parts dealers. All of these have websites that you can order from.

The replacement is not hard to do. The voltage regulator is built into the alternator so all you need to do is first disconnect one post of the battery and unplug the wires on the back of the alternator and undue two mounting bolts and one adjusting nut. Get a new belt for it too.

Howard