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Subject: Re: TWL: Battery charger/high output alternator
Albin43Tr@XXX.XXX
Date: Mon Dec 30 2002 - 16:43:03 EST
Brent and all,
<< how big of
an alternator can you do, staying with the small frame, single belt, & still
get an acceptable use life? >>
About 15 years or so ago, I put a 150 A Balmar on my old sailboat's Perkins
4-108. It was set up to use double belts, but when I got the belts, one was a
different size (right package/wrong belt). So, I just tried one, and soon
forgot about putting another on. The same belt lasted for at least 6 years,
when I sold the boat. Remember, the alternator is not putting out full load
all the time. Your mileage may vary.... :)
I did have one problem, though, the standard bracket wouldn't work, so I made
a new one, using most of the old one. The primary difference being the length
of the slotted adjusting arm. The alternator vibrated so badly that it broke
the output connectors off of the alternator. Unfortunately, I was then on my
way down to Florida - actually was in the middle of Chesapeake Bay when they
broke - so I just put new connectors on and secured the wires to the
alternator so the cables flexed instead of the connectors. When I got here,
Panama City, I built up a much more rigid mount that allowed no discernible
flex at all. The alternator was used solely for the house bank, as the puny
one that came with the engine took care of the engine start battery very
well. My point: make sure the alternator does not vibrate. The original mount
was made for a similar 60 A alternator, but had a short adjusting arm.
And, while I am at it: I put 2 8D Prevailer batteries on that boat. Both
failed within 2 years. It also had an adjustable Balmar (?3?) stage regulator
that was properly adjusted. Prevailer said that they shouldn't have failed so
soon and would prorate the cost - which was a joke as the cost was going to
be a reduction from list, and was more than I had paid for them. They also
suggested that I try equalizing them, as it couldn't hurt anything since the
batteries would not hold a charge anyway. Equalizing had no effect. I went
back to lead-acid batteries and had very good service. In fact, I bought 8D
"Blems" from the local Excide distributor (under his private label) at a
greatly reduced cost. Oh, a "Blem" is blemished, i.e., there was a molding
flaw in the case or the labels were stuck on crooked. The blemishes did not
affect performance nor longevity at all.
Take care and be safe!
Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin 43 Sundeck
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