Externally Regulated Alternator for Atomic 4

[fixxxer0]

I am looking for something in the 55Amp range thats externally regulated...

Problem is I dont want to spend the Balmar or AmplePower $$$.


I saw a few places selling internal to external conversion kits for other alternators.... does anyone have experience doing this on an atomic 4?

I don't even know which ones will fit... ( i know small case 1" foot 3/8" pulley thats all)

[hellosailor]

Take any 55A alternator to any competent shop, or read some of the 12v "bible" type books. It takes less than a half hour to open the alternator, loop out the field regulator wire, and set it up so it can be externally regulated or switched back to the internal as a backup.

Really not a big deal.

[erps]

Here's a 60 amp externally regulated alternator for $75 that has a pretty common footprint.


AC Delco Remy high output alternator

Here's a picture of a high output alternator sold for Atomic 4's. Looks like the same footprint.

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by fixxxer0

I am looking for something in the 55Amp range thats externally regulated...

Problem is I dont want to spend the Balmar or AmplePower $$$.


I saw a few places selling internal to external conversion kits for other alternators.... does anyone have experience doing this on an atomic 4?

I don't even know which ones will fit... ( i know small case 1" foot 3/8" pulley thats all)

What are you hoping to achieve? Do you have Gel batts or AGM's that need a certain charge voltage? What is the output voltage set at on your stock alternator? How many Ah's is your battery bank?

[cardiacpaul]

the old motorolas and prestolites that came on the A-4 were 30-35 amp.

if its one of those, take it to a rebuild shop, they'll tweek it out for ya on the cheep. have 'em rebuild it, and put on a bigger regulator. (within reason, remember, its a single pulley alternator)

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by cardiacpaul

the old motorolas and prestolites that came on the A-4 were 30-35 amp.

if its one of those, take it to a rebuild shop, they'll tweek it out for ya on the cheep. have 'em rebuild it, and put on a bigger regulator. (within reason, remember, its a single pulley alternator)

If it is a Motorola or Leece-Neville / Prestolite you can follow these instructions:

External Regulation Conversion (LINK)

[fixxxer0]

Originally Posted by Maine Sail

What are you hoping to achieve? Do you have Gel batts or AGM's that need a certain charge voltage? What is the output voltage set at on your stock alternator? How many Ah's is your battery bank?

230Ah golf cart batteries. I want to use a 3 stage regulator on them to keep them charged properly.


I am thinking the limit, power and belt wise is going to be 65 amps for my A4, at cruising speed it will prolly be more like around 30 amp output.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by erps

Here's a picture of a high output alternator sold for Atomic 4's. Looks like the same footprint.

I note the "ignition protected" sticker, above. Isn't it generally considered a Bad Idea to use automotive components in a marine application? Particularly a marine application where we're talking about a gasoline engine in an enclosed space?

Jim

[erps]

Good point Jim. I personally don't have a problem with in on a diesel and I don't know what the risk is on a gas motor.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by erps

Good point Jim. I personally don't have a problem with in on a diesel...

Nor would I, from a purely safety standpoint... unless the boat also had a propane system.

Originally Posted by erps

... and I don't know what the risk is on a gas motor.

It takes very little evaporated gasoline to create the potential for a tremendous explosion. I don't recall for sure, but it's something like two table spoons of evaporated gasoline in an enclosed space has the explosive power of a half stick of dynamite, or something like that? It's nothing to mess with.

I prefer gasoline engines, because I've worked with them for... well, for a long time . But in a marine application I'm paranoid as hell.

Jim