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Old 20-09-2018, 02:49   #1
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Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

Greetings,

Any recommendations on higher output alternators to replace original on a Perkins 4.108?

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Old 20-09-2018, 03:38   #2
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

I did a Balmar 60 series with the their 614 regulator. Got a decent deal from Mainesail. I didn't upgrade the pulley system so if I need more muscle in the future I can do that by un-derating the alternator. Electrical
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Old 20-09-2018, 05:46   #3
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

The prior (original) owner of our boat switched our 4-108 to a "Silver Bullet" 105 Amp alternator, commonly found on GM commercial trucks. We've owned the boat now for 16 years and have had no difficulty with the alternator although I did have to switch out the regulator for an ARS-5 6 or 7 years ago. Mean while, the owner of our sister-ship, Ocean Angel, now in Antigua, switched the regulator on his 4-108 to a 120 Amp Balmar with the 614 regulator although he's reportedly been through several of the regulators since making the switch in 2007 or '08.

FWIW...
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Old 20-09-2018, 05:56   #4
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Oceanico.

See ➥ https://www.foleyengines.com/tech-ti...4236-and-6354/
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Old 20-09-2018, 07:16   #5
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

Quote:
Originally Posted by GordMay View Post
Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Oceanico.

See ➥ https://www.foleyengines.com/tech-ti...4236-and-6354/

Oceanico--Use Gordon Mays reference, above, for information only. However, I suggest that you not attempt to do business with "Dr. Diesel" as the company has earned a very poor reputation including with many participants in this forum. For more on that subject, use the Search Button above an search on Foley or Dr. Diesel. (Gordo is the Search Guru here abounts and can probably help with that search if necessary.)

FWIW...
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Old 21-09-2018, 05:50   #6
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

Thanks for the quick replies! I very much appreciate the information.
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Old 21-09-2018, 06:09   #7
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

When I had a 4-108 I found Trans Atlantic Diesel to be very helpful.
TAD for Perkins Diesel Engines - Perkins Marine Engines, Perkins Marine Diesel Engines, Perkins Engines

I would recommend the flat belt pulley kit for a high output alternator.
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Old 21-09-2018, 06:45   #8
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

I had a 150 amp alternator on the 4-108, I think the brand was Pro-Line, made in Texas. Good stuff and less expensive than a Balmar. Also Pro-Line external regulator.
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Old 21-09-2018, 18:17   #9
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

I'm looking at Zena alternators. Anyone have any history on the 150 and 200 amp models?
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Old 22-09-2018, 09:27   #10
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

I knew an off-roader had a big one, swore by it as a charge source for his off grid cabin in the woods.

Also doubled as a welder.
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Old 22-09-2018, 10:06   #11
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

If over 100 amp be sure to get a double belt setup... or a modern type belt. Personally I'd go with a big frame Motorola or etc.
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Old 22-09-2018, 10:51   #12
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

Yes, I'm doing the serpentine conversion at the same time.

I'd love to go to a big frame but there isn't room unless I have some kind of mount fabricated to put it below the engine.

I don't have anywhere except the boat to work or I'd try and make up something like that.
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Old 24-09-2018, 21:05   #13
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

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If over 100 amp be sure to get a double belt setup... or a modern type belt. Personally I'd go with a big frame Motorola or etc.
Yup, good advice, double belte over 100 amps.
I had single belt but never asked too much of the alternator as I had solar panels and never discharged below 50%.
Never seen more than 90 amp charge on my 150 amp alternator, which means it was not working too hard and had an easy life.
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Old 25-09-2018, 08:29   #14
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

Interestingly. I had a 100 amp alternator with single belt on one boat. I had two regulators, one as a back up. The Ample power regulator would make a single belt squeal badly, to the point I couldn't use it. The Balmar V3 wouldn't do that. I tried alignments, various belts etc. So I guess the Ample power regulator asked the alternator for more amps output.
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Old 30-09-2018, 09:40   #15
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Re: Perkins 4.108 Alternator Upgrade

I went with a Motorola 105 amp (Leece Neville) and a serpentine belt system from SW Diesel. Worked well for years now.
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