How to turn of the alternator?

[sailboatliving]

Hi, my regulator is broken and the alternator is therefore not charging the batteries. I need to use the engine tomorrow, Is there an easy way to disable the alternator? I know taking the belt of is possible, but I believe the belt might have another function as well. It is a beta 38 with Ballar K6 120 amp alternator. My solar will charge the batteries. Will I damage the alternator by just motoring on?

Now the alarm is constant when I use the engine, how do I turn it off? At the cockpit console?

 

[SandgroperWA]

The alternator belt may also drive your water pump. Worth checking. There could be other issues as well. If it were me I would replace the regulator before using. Cheers

 

[Refueler]

You need to find the wire that 'excites' the alternator ... that is also usually the one that actions the alarm.

If you can live with the alarm .. I know its annoying ... because the alternator is not actually charging out - its unlikely to hurt it ...

Do not remove the belt - often the same belt does the water pump ..

Think on it ... the damage to an alternator is when its spinning and charging out - and you turn of the key but engine still running ... the sudden cut off causes the diodes in regulator to pop.
If you start an engine and alternator is not working - it has not created charge out and and regulator survives.

BUT in your caswe - you say regulator is shot anyway ... so if it was me - I would find a way to disconnect 'excite lead' and silence the alarm ... go use the engine ...

 

[garymalmgren]