Alternator upgrade

[Sybarite]

Building on the excellent advice on this forum I have another one for the experts:-

I added battery power ( 110ah + 135 ah) for Volvo 18hp 2002 (with diodes and switch) and was advised to upgrade from the standard 35 ah alternator. The charge warning light blinks but I am advised that this is a coincidence and is being checked. My questions are :

Can I upgrade (max 65 ah) and still use the same mounts on the engine?
Is there an alternative to the arm & leg Volvo alternator?

Many thanks.

John

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[pvb]

Yes, certainly....

You can easily upgrade your alternator to a 65A unit - all you need to do is make sure it's the same (small) frame size and has the same mounting foot. You don't have to buy a VP unit; there are lots of other makes around which will fit. There are lots of suppliers of alternators suitable for marine use, but if you talk to Adverc, I'm sure they'll help you to select something which is cost-efficient.

Whatever you do, you should invest in a "smart" regulator - without this, your alternator upgrade will be a waste of money.

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[Guest]

Re: Yes, certainly....

Take your old alternator to an alternator repair man/shop and ask them if they can supply you with your needs. I am not sure if you have earth return or not but if you do they will sort that out for you as well. It will be much more cost effective.
Rob

<hr width=100% size=1>robinwdunham

 

[Juggler7823]

The alternator that I had on my VP 2002 and 2003 was a 50A Valeo. I thought that this was standard.

<hr width=100% size=1>LOM

 

[wooslehunter]

I'm thinking about doing the same - any suggestions on good alternator supplier in the Portsmouth area?

I'd be interested in any recommendations for a smart charger as well.

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[roger]

Re: Yes, certainly....

With a bit of luck you can get a suitable alternator from a car breakers for a few quid. I did and it worked. What I didnt do was to check it fitted in the bracket I'd had to make for the previous one. I spent a day in Portsmouth cutting the bracket about to fit. The new (breaker's) alternator was fine thereafter.
I think we should metion the increased mechanical load on the alternator drive belt and the possible need to increase the belt quality and possibly belt an pulley size.

<hr width=100% size=1>Roger