What did you replace your Bukh DV20 with?

[Rossynant]

For such a small battery any car alternator will be enough. I doubt if it would be possible to find smaller alternator at all.
Yes, alternator will keep charging no matter how small it is, until the battery is full (roughly, as this depends also on regulator); to charge the battery effectively you need about 1/10 of its capacity (also depends on battery but this is OK). So 5-6 ampere current to charge 55 Ah battery. Actually battery when completely empty may draw more, something like 20-30 A, and then progressively less - but automotive alternator probably will be rated for 50 A or more. And even at lower revs you may expect the alternator to give half of this.

 

[Greenheart]

Sorry I haven't read every post, so the answer may be somewhere here already...what's the biggest marine diesel still being made, whose design anticipates regular starting by hand? How massive and weighty does the flywheel need to be?

 

[LittleSister]

Sorry I haven't read every post, so the answer may be somewhere here already...what's the biggest marine diesel still being made, whose design anticipates regular starting by hand? How massive and weighty does the flywheel need to be?

Very few diesels will these days will be built with starting handles. The Bukh 24hp (widely used in ship's lifeboats) and 32hp are exceptions, but whether they're the largest I wouldn't know.

 

[Rossynant]

This one of the topic - Bukh. There are some bigger, but not really designed for handstart, like Yanmar. Maybe this one has enough flywheel http://www.directindustry.com/prod/lister-petter/marine-diesel-engines-5772-795197.html
Hand starting diesels are still produced but for stationary plants - generators, pumps, agriculture. Usually low revs, so not much rated power, below 10 KW.

 

[cimo]

Welcome aboard Yiannis,

The rev counter works off the alternator - go and talk to a good auto-electrician - and all you need is to fit a modern alternator and a counter.
I got a replacement 100 amp alternator in Agrinio for €69 - brand new and in original box, which would have done the job.

as an alternative, I fitted one of these which works of the high pressure fuel line (the transducer clamps on, no need to break into the line).
http://tinytach.com/diesel.php

 

[Tranona]

Thanks very much Charles. Finding any kind of auto electrician is impossible where I am. Can I ask you - if you know - is it the case that I need an alternator with an output AT LEAST as much as my battery Amp Hours? I have a new 55 AmpH battery and don't want to run it down for want of output from my alternator. Or is it the case that the alternator, however small the output, will just keep charging until the battery is full? I hope that's clear enough and thanki you in advance for any reply. Best, Yiannis.

A 55amp alternator is more than enough. On a small boat like yours the main requirement is engine starting and that takes little out of the battery which is brought back to full charge after a start in a matter of minutes. No need for any extra charging unless you leave the boat for long periods when a solar panel may be useful to compensate for self discharge.

 

[GreekYiannis]

That's very helpful indeed and puts my mind at rest. I have invested in a solar panel which trickle charges. So I feel more confident. I'm awaiting the return of my alternator after a service. But that's coming from another island and I don't really have the language skill to ask technical questions of the guy who is servicing it. So I have one more question, if I may, about the wiring.
I have the usual big battery terminal which was connected when I removed the alternator. The alternator has two more connections, only one of which was connected. The other [a spade connector] was rusty and obviously hadn't been connected to anything for a while. The red light did go out when I started the engine, so I'm wondering if there was no need for the third (rusty) terminal to be connected to anything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I've tried the internet but get mostly big American petrol car advice. That's not appropriate for a Bukh20. thanks again.

 

[charles_reed]

If you read the whole thread you will see he fitted a Beta 30. New type engines review to 3600 or 3200 (Volvo). Hardly2* Bukh at 3000.

And the point is?

 

[vyv_cox]

My engine has a 55A alternator charging 330 Ah of batteries. No problems at all.

 

[skipklaus]

...I have the usual big battery terminal which was connected when I removed the alternator. The alternator has two more connections, only one of which was connected. The other [a spade connector] was rusty and obviously hadn't been connected to anything for a while. The red light did go out when I started the engine, so I'm wondering if there was no need for the third (rusty) terminal to be connected to anything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I've tried the internet but get mostly big American petrol car advice. That's not appropriate for a Bukh20. thanks again.

The free "rusty" connector might be connected to a rev counter. My DV20 has an RPM-Sensor below the main diesel filter. If you need books for the DV20, pls. have a look at my website: http://www.earlhill.de/download.html

On which island are you? I will be back in Porto Heli middle of April. Maybe there is an opportunity to help you.

 

[Tranona]

And the point is?

Simple. Read your original post. What you wrote is incorrect.

 

[GreekYiannis]

Bravo. Some people forget that the purpose of being on the water is to enjoy oneself. Not to be constantly fiddling about with mechanical or electrical parts. KIS - keep it simple - that's my motto.