While tracking down an engine non-start problem I have managed to blow the alternator diodes. Can anyone recommend a supplier in the Solent area for parts (preferably) or repair? TIA
I suggest that unless someone can recommend a specific source you look in Yellow Pages or Yell.com for automobile electricians. I don't know to what extent you have invstigated what is involved to replace the diode pack but some are eaiser to do than others. Some require soldering of some quite heavy connections.
try these guys, fantasically helpful and used by Marine power in burseldon for all alternator problems.
Superstart
Unit 3, 30a, Clovelly Rd, Southbourne, Emsworth, Hampshire PO10 8PE
Tel: 01243 379865
Consider changing alternator to a more powerful one. I've fitted a Bosch 90 A from a mondeo to my Yanmar 3GM. Not for 90Amps, but for the 25Amps it gives at tickover.
£20 from a car breakers, parts available everywhere!
Otherwise suggest getting diode pack out of a duff alternator of the same brand and model.
Hope that helps.
BTW you may have killed the regulator also?
The diodes I am familiar with are about 15mm in diameter of tapered Aluminium each pressed into a plate. I think there are usually two plates insulated from one another with 3 diodes per plate. The diodes themselves also have a braided lead with terminal that is spot welded onto the diode lead.
The outcome then is that diodes sold in electronics shops are not suitable and you would need to go to a supplier of spares for the laternator.
This may lead you to get one from a car wrecking yard or get a rebuilt one from auto electrician or have yours repaired by an auto electrician unless you can get into their spares supplies. olewill
Thanks everyone for the recommendations, particularly the suggestion to increase the currnt rating. The suggested suppliers are now top of my list for tomorrow morning!
Depends on the origin of the alternator. If it is or automotive origin, you can usually get diode pack bundled with replacement brush sets, for a few quid from automotive distributors. As posted previously the buying of an alternator from a car scrapyard and fitting new brushes and diode pack may still be cheaper than buying from the "official source", and you will also get a higher output alternator at tickover than the original. If you go that route, go for an alternator from a diesel car, because they are designed to give higher outputs at lower revs than petrol engines, usually by fitting bigger diameter pulleys so they turn faster
Hey Pappaecho I think you mean smaller puley on the alternator for higher alternator speed. Larger pulley goes on the crankshaft.
But yes good point if you are going from petrol car to diesel boat.
olewill