Re: lv-ab: Alternator Re-Do

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 Thanks for an interesting treatise. I learned more in your few pages than
 any other source about marine alternators.
 
 The process of converting an internally regulated alternator to external
 sounds challenging, but not impossible. I am reasonably proficient amateur
 mechanic/electrician.
 
 I have the ubiquitous Hitachi 55 amp on my 27 hp Yanmar. Is it suitable for
 such conversion?

>>>>>>While I have no knowledge of that particular alternator, they all work
the same way, only the details differ.

Will I lose the idiot light and the tachometer signal?

>>>>>>Probably loose the idiot light since that signal usually comes from the
regulator. The tach signal may be ok since this is just the wild ac.

 Also, and I don't have the curcuit diagram at hand for reference as I write
 this, but my installation uses an output from the alternator to close a
 solenoid to combine the engine and house battery banks. A nice feature from
 Jeanneau, that makes it idiot proof. How can I accomplish this with an
 externally regulated alternator?
 
>>>>>>I don't know exactly how this is done in your alternator, however, West
sells a device that senses the battery voltage and when it rises, as when
being charged, it energizes a relay or solenoid to combine the two batteries.

 If I do the conversion, I probably will start with a used Hitachi from a
 junk yard, and keep the existing one as a spare.

>>>>>>>>Good idea, but it would be a lot easier if you simply buy an
externally regulated alternator and keep the existing one as a spare.

I understand that the Nissan Maxima and perhaps other large Japanese sedans
use an 80 amp Hitachi that has the same case as the 55 amp marine version and
might be a better candidate for conversion. No, it undoubtably does not have
a spark arrestor on the vent, but does this matter on a diesel.

>>>>>>>Spark arrestors are not needed on a diesel boat.

 (although I do keep a gasoline container for my dinghy onboard), and if it
does can I make one from brass screen?

>>>>>>>>I suppose you could, but why?

 Finally, what are the physical/electrical differences between an 80 amp
 Hitachi and the 100+ amp marine alternators from Balmar et al? I would
 assume it is mostly heavier windings that can produce more current with less
 internal heat generated.
 
>>>>>>>>Exactly.

Since I only need heavier alternator output for a weeklong cruise I take
 once or twice each year, I am loathe to invest the $500-1000 a new Balmar
 alternator/regulator will cost. The Hitachi conversion sounds like a
 reasonable solution.
 
>>>>>>Some people simply mount two seperate alternators to get twice the
power.

 Thanks for your patience in reading all of this.
 
 David
 
>>>>>>>Good Luck

Norm
S/V Bandersnatch
Anchored Charleston SC
 
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 Subject: Re: lv-ab: Alternator Re-Do
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