Bukh alternator

[isandell]

Has any fitted an alternative alternator in place of Marchal A14 on a Bukh? If so, what make/model did they fit?

I think mine needs repair and having spent £80 just a couple of years ago, I am wondering about fitting something else. Also, a few more Amps than the 35 of the Marchal would be useful.

Ian

 

[Gin]

There are several units as alternatives, I can't remember them all (Googling will offer options) but a Bukh sourced replacement will cost 100's whereas an exchange unit from an alternator specialist will cost nearer what you paid previously- mine is a Paris/Rhone unit and was rebuilt 2007 for £132

 

[earlybird]

Not a Bukh, but my 15 year old Beta came with a Lucas A127 which seems to do the business. These appear on e-bay from alternator specialists for £50 or so. They produce about 60amps, have a separate negative terminal, and are fairly well enclosed for the marine existence. They're fitted to the likes of JCB's, old tractors etc as well as cars and, I think, Land Rovers, so there's plenty of them. Perhaps might need a modified mounting bracket, but they seem to come in L or R handed form. Hope this helps.
Add:- Try http://www.dg2k.co.uk/alternators.htm

 

[saltwater_gypsy]

try here:
http://www.woodauto.com/default.aspx

 

[MarkJohnson12345]

Can only add that I have spoken to Bukh. Their replacement Alternator is a 50a/h job, selling for £300.

Advantages are that it fits, and presumably has the same contacts on the back of the alternator.

Obviously relatively expensive.

I was advised to visit you local motor electrics centre, with your exisitng alternator, and see if they can match it.

But as the power supply is crucial for our boats, I am leaning towards buying the real thing!

It's a lot of loot, but you are only going to buy it once!

Pays your money and takes your choice I guess.

/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[cliff]

Clickety => ALT 2 is a compatible replacement but 90A output.

Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.

 

[rhumlady]

The 'real thing' is only the cheaper on at a higher cost.

 

[MarkJohnson12345]

I note the AL2 has negative polarity.

My Sevi-Marchall is positive.

Not sure what the difference is???

Certainly I would have to have my Adverc switched..

 

[isandell]

Thanks for all replies.

From these, and lots of googling, I am now pretty sure that there is no direct replacement. It's either buy new from Bukh or have rebuild from autoelectrician.

I think that one of the reasons why this alternator is expensive is that it is brushless unit, in effect a small alternator built into a larger one. Good idea in theory but I doubt that it is cost effective in marine environment.

Ian

 

[Billjratt]

Hold on! You will get a better one from a scrappy! (£14 and double the amps!)
You need to measure the mounting lugs and angles,(Ie - distance between the pivoting ones - usually 2 or 3 inches, and the angle - like a clockface, of the tensioner in relation to the pivot.) check there is nothing much in the way(on the existing engine) if the angles are not quite the same. Measure the distance of the belt from the mounting lug.(so it will line up with the existing pulleys) then look in scrap cars. I got a lucas that fitted, but that was in Portugal and I'm not sure what it was originally for. Be prepared to change the length of "V" belt and maybe use a spacer or two if the original measurements couldn't be met. Try to find one with the smallest possible pulley, as your diesel will be a lot slower than the car engine. Once the physical fit is done, the wiring is very easy. There is really no valid reason why the SEV marchal should be so expensive, brushless is an inefficient gimmick.

 

[isandell]

The last time that I went to a scrappy for a car alternator, about 3 years ago, they started at £25 plus vat so maybe a bit of inflation on £14.

The space behind the alternator is tight. I was hoping that someone might have been able to say that a model XXX alternator, or from YYY vehicle was a good fit. but despite reading that ppl have used different alternators, no one has been able to say what alternator they used.

In the end, I got autoelectrician to replace the regulator for £25. SED at Guildford. Second time that I have used them and can recommend.

I agree that brushless is unnecessary complication. I think that the same alternator ws used on the Volvo P1800. Wonder why?

Ian