Fitting Alternator

[seaesta]

I plan to fit an alternator to my MD1. This is to replace the charging part of a Dynastart. Does anyone have a circuit diagram for an alternator set up? Do they need voltage regulators etc.?

Any recommendations about one that is small (not too deep) and reliable would be appreciated. The yacht has a very small power requirement and only 7horsepower so the unit needs to be light in weight and low in power absorbed

Thanks

 

[tr7v8]

NOt sure if you're looking for a DIY option here but, have a look at some of the small Japaneseish hatchbacks. My wifes Suzuki runs a tiny little 50 amp alternator which is completely self contained and being Jap it's damned reliable as well!
All you'd have to do is organise a belt drive setup.

Jim
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[halcyon]

The previuos owner of our yacht had the same problem, and fitted a Jap alternator with a belt running on the flat part of the flywheel. The alternator is self contained and hung on a bracket bolted to the side of the engine bay.

Does work, he did two trans-Atlantic trips with it.

Brian

 

[VMALLOWS]

Agree with the other posts. Assuming you're looking for the cheapest solution, visit your local car breakers. These days everything is stripped off and on shelves. Just find an alternator that will physically suit. They all have internal regulators these days. Going price is between £10 - £20.

 

[philip_stevens]

.........but try to get one from a diesel vehicle as the engine revs are lower than on a petrol engined vehicle.

My father fitted a "petrol " alternator to his fishing boat, and only got a few amps from it even at high diesel revs. He later changed it for a "diesel" alternator, and got a higher amp output.

regards,
Philip

 

[VMALLOWS]

I don't believe there's any difference in the alternators fitted to modern (by that I mean less than 15 years or so) cars whether diesel or petrol. Of course pulley ratios and engine speed can play a part, but my experience with quite a few different alternators on my Bukt20 is that all generate maximum output at just over tickover revs. I think I would be more concerned with the possibility of overreving from a mechanical point of view.

Why have I got through so many alternators??..... I forget to pump the 'bilge'
(really the engine sump) on my Sadler29 after it's been raining hard / washing down the cockpit .......... so the alternator gets a good soaking.

 

[Guest]

Look for one from a small Fiat(Panda or similar. Rating about 45 amps will do). They are shorter than the Lucas unit. I fitted one on a 2 cylinder Kabuta for my Son. It has worked perfectly. The regulator is built in and you wire the thing just as you would for a car. Don't forget the warning light and ignition switch too.
The warning lamp is fitted in series with the field winding as with a car. The current to the field supply goes via the switch, through the lamp and into the field terminal of the alternator. The other wiring will of course, need to be adjusted to suit your needs.
Regards, Rod.