alternator

[dsw]

I have mounted a new earth return 12v alternator on to my engine that’s 24v but I have to rev up the engine to get it to kick in and I don’t like to do that when its cold especially as my engine is turbo charged ect, so what can I do to make the alternator kick in like the 24v does?

 

[Strathglass]

Could you fit a smaller pulley on the 12v alternator? This would make it rev higher at the same engine speed.

You would have to check that you would not over rev it at max engine speed.

Iain

 

[VicS]

Don't know for sure but a higher wattage warning light bulb might increase the initial field current sufficiently to get it generating at low revs. worth a try.

 

[brianrunyard]

Agree with VicS, the alternator will kick in at lower revs with a higher wattage warning light.
This is the method a lot of fishing boats use.
Alternative is to fit a smaller pulley to the alternator.

 

[dsw]

just changed the 2watt to a 4watt and i kicks in a bit faster so i will try a 5 watt later and see what happends, thanks anyway chaps.