Install Balmar 3-Stage Regulator

[motion30]

Can someone give me a link or a step by step on how to convert an alternator to install a balmar 3 stage reg? The alt I have has an internal reg
thanks

[mesquaukee]

What type of alternator do you have?
If it is a Delco this is how to do it (see pics).
Basically you want to isolate the brushes from the internal regulator and rewire them so the external regulator is hooked up to one brush, the other brush goes to ground. This is done by:
1. removing the diodes that feed the internal regulator (compare pics # 1 & 4), it is that thing that bridges across all 3 terminals on the diodes and has a long arm going across to the brush holder (which sits on top of the voltage reg)
2. removing the plastic insulator from the screw that the diodes were connected to (compare pics #1 & 4) this will ground one of the brushes. Look close at pic #2 and you will see a plastic washer under the screw head, discard that link between the two screws.
3. cutt off the part of the metal tab that folds around the brush holder (see pic # 3) and attaching a wire to it (see pic # 4) and lead it out of the case, this connects to the external regulator
4. push the brushes back into the holder and insert a stiff wire through the hole to keep them fully depressed, ensure that this wire extends out through the matching hole in the body. When the alternator is fully assembled pull this wire out.
Other alternators are basically the same, just look different but are just as easy.

[motion30]

Thanks Mesquakee
That is what I needed,, Mt alt is a leece neville with an internal reg, actually it is bolted to the back of the alt. One question there is a small ga. wire that connects to the top of the reg from inside the alt, any idea what that wire is? The reg is connected to the two brushes ,could that wire be a voltage feed (field) ?

[jdoe71]

Prestolite (Leece-Neville) makes a plate with the wiring on it that is a direct bolt in for most of their alternators to do what was described here, you just remove the existing regulator and put this one one, has the correct plugs on the wires. If you go to their website and search their forums for external regulator you will find the part numbers, I think there are two different ones for small frame and large frame alts.

[GordMay]

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[clarity36]

Hey Motion
The hard work has been done. maine Sail will take you, step by step, with photos, converting a 90 amp leece-neville to external regulation. gotta love this site. Bill
Converting An Alternator To External Regulation (Converting An Alternator To External Regulation - SailboatOwners.com)