Alternator Overheating Problem

[Pete7]

Jarvis if you do decide to change the alternator here is a link:

ALTERNATORS - High Output Alternators

Though if your going anywhere near the US they might be cheaper.

Pete

[DeepFrz]

Equalization charge is what you need I believe although by exercising the batteries (discharge - full charge) a few times it might help if the battery isn't to far gone. Don't trust in the snake oil desulfation products, IMO.

I really feel for you in this situation. I have been there and done that, trying to get sulfated batteries to accept a charge, on the hook with an inadequate alternator and no generator. Also didn't have solar. Luckily I dropped an alternator on my foot and damaged my big toe enough that I had to leave the boat and fly home... ;-]

[Cheechako]

An alternator being driven by a high output regulator WILL BE too hot to touch for sure!

[crazyhorse77]

Ouch!
Thanks for the advice. I have called several of the boat yards in Grenada and none of them offer a equalization service for the batteries.

Is it commonly offered service in other parts of the world?

Is it possible make your own with a transformer from an electronics store? From a little bit of googling it seems you need to charge your batteries at 15.6V for a hour or two to equalise them.

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

Equalization charge is what you need I believe although by exercising the batteries (discharge - full charge) a few times it might help if the battery isn't to far gone. Don't trust in the snake oil desulfation products, I

I really feel for you in this situation. I have been there and done that, trying to get sulfated batteries to accept a charge, on the hook with an inadequate alternator and no generator. Also didn't have solar. Luckily I dropped an alternator on my foot and damaged my big toe enough that I had to leave the boat and fly home... ;-]

[DeepFrz]

I would suggest you read this and check out some of the links.

All about battery equalization

[Cheechako]

I've never heard of an Equalization service....

[Kettlewell]

In an ideal world we would all have high-output, hot-rated alternators. With a single belt you really can't put more than about a 100-amp alternator on there without belt slippage anyway, which can really heat up the alternator. So keep the belt tight, and get some really good quality belts (like Gates or Napa green ones) which will make a big difference. The fan will also help a lot with temperature, in my experience. Many alternators, believe it or not, are designed to suck air in at the back (where the cables attach) and push hot air out at the front. Make sure your fan moves the air in the direction it is supposed to go.