Tom.B
Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2009
- Messages
- 5,839
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Skinny Dippin'
- Vessel Make
- Navigator 4200 Classic
Okee-Dokey Y'all,
As the ending of the winter DC upgrade project is upon me, the final step was to route the alternator output to the house battery back (and TBH, I might need to tweak where it's routed to now... more on that in another thread). For the past three years, I had seen a manual in my paperwork for Skinny Dippin' for a Balmar 110A alternator and assumed that was what was installed. Had I ever looked close enough to verify? Apparently not because when I we to tie onto the alternator this weekend, I have found a Motorola Marine 80A alternator (sticker says output is 77A) perched proudly upon Dr. Perky (my engine) and NOT the Balmar. *heavy sigh*
So while I cannot afford to put $700 into a new 110A externally regulated and new Balmar, I do want to learn what I can about alternators. So, as always, I turn to you guys for initial advice.
Questions:
Thanks everyone.
As the ending of the winter DC upgrade project is upon me, the final step was to route the alternator output to the house battery back (and TBH, I might need to tweak where it's routed to now... more on that in another thread). For the past three years, I had seen a manual in my paperwork for Skinny Dippin' for a Balmar 110A alternator and assumed that was what was installed. Had I ever looked close enough to verify? Apparently not because when I we to tie onto the alternator this weekend, I have found a Motorola Marine 80A alternator (sticker says output is 77A) perched proudly upon Dr. Perky (my engine) and NOT the Balmar. *heavy sigh*
So while I cannot afford to put $700 into a new 110A externally regulated and new Balmar, I do want to learn what I can about alternators. So, as always, I turn to you guys for initial advice.
Questions:
- How good or bad is the Motorola? It's a 2-wire and I must assume it's internally regulated.
- Can I add an external regulator to it?
- I fired it up after my plugs-out battery test and it was pushing a good 30-40A, but it was getting warm. Hot? I didn't let it run that long (15 minutes). Is this a warning sign?
- Whoever installed it ran the hot wire to the lug on the starter motor and then installed an 80A fuse on the ground. For what I know about electricity this raises a red flag. Am I missing something?
- What should I look for in a new alternator? I really don't want to drop $700+ on a Series 7 Balmar, but will one of the "lighter duty" alternators do the job for me? The amperage numbers are similar.
- What is a good size? TBH, I think 80 is about right, but I'm a bit scared it's going to boil my batteries over a long day under power.
Thanks everyone.