Had problems with the 160 amp alternators. My alternator guy built them both from the ground up based on large case ford alternators . All heavy duty windings and stators, avalanche diodes , etc . Got them on the test bench , wound them up to speed and only got 120 amps out of them. I really wanted to use a local
builder for my alternators , someone that was reputable and been in business for a long time. As I read through all the
forums on "Balmar" and other
marine alternator manufactures I realized that there are good ones and bad ones and I should source them locally so I can get them matched up for my application. Plus if I have one melt down on me during this process the guy that built the thing is just down the road and gives me all the hands on help and warranty I need without
shipping them halfway across the country.
Ok time to rethink. At least that's what he told me, and , " this is not rocket science" We had to build an alternator that could be easily run at 110 amps without struggling. So an alternator of around 160 should do , and of course externally regulated. Chrysler! he said , they make a new alternator as an up grade on all there 2005 and up vehicles , it puts out 160 amps, and they are externally regulated. He grabbed one that he had built off the shelf , put it on the machine, and viola, 180 amps under full load!! OK lets slow it down to 110 amps (1500 rpm) and let it run under that load. Fifteen minutes later it was still running and I could keep my hand on it , it was hot but it didn't come close to burning me . Some alternators get so hot you could use them for
cabin heaters. They are also spark arrested and have sealed
brushes. Grabbed two of them and had him build me two more for spares to keep on board. At 225 bucks each I couldn't go wrong. Once I get them in the
boat and on the
battery load he said we could
work out the best pulley diameter to give the best results. Now that is sevice
Regards