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Originally posted by ndutton
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Just to clarify, we run the 55 amp API, which I am hoping I can somehow adapt to run with an adjustable external regulator.1974 C&C 27 -
Sorry, worded my post awkwardly. 'Yours truly' meant me, not that your alternator was truly unreasonable. I had no idea what size your alternator was.
I'm the nut with the 100 amp alternator.Neil
1977 Catalina 30
San Pedro, California
prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
Had my hands in a few othersComment
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Mmmm.... cold beer!Originally posted by ndutton View Post
- Neil, are you really up and thinking about this stuff at 5:00 AM local time? You and rigs are freaks of nature!
I will comment that the output wire on my 35A alternator is the same gauge as the orange wire that was originally in the charge circuit on the C-30, which as you well know, runs from the engine compartment to the ammeter in the cockpit and back, probably originally to the starter post. Once the isolator was added (who knows when?), the PO ran a (looks like 10 gauge also) from the ammeter directly to the isolator (+) post, which is back in the engine compartment, so the run was still just as long. I decided to eliminate the long 10# wire (& ammeter) for now, figuring that even though not ideal, the 10# run from the alternator directly to the isolator (+) post couldn't be any worse than the same gauge wire running all the way to the ammeter and back, as it had for xx years. Incidentally, the black wire running to ground and the (+) from the ammeter were exactly the same color and gauge & ran next to each other in the bilge. Getting anything to work on this boat & tracing P.O. nonsense while I contemplate the re-wire has been a challenge!
-Shawn
"Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109
"Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!)
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That's right, ice cold beer, brain freeze cold.Originally posted by sastanley View PostMmmm.... cold beer!
For the record, members of dis here forum who visit are entitled to my private stash of imports. We'll leave the domestic swill for the common riff raff. My current preference is Pacifico Clara.
Actually, when visiting others and asked what my favorite beer is I reply with my 2 favorites: cold and free.Neil
1977 Catalina 30
San Pedro, California
prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
Had my hands in a few othersComment
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Dave,Originally posted by Dave Neptune View Post
Any alternator you use should be ignition protected. It's my understanding that automotive alternators are not. The attached pic of my 100A Delco shows the spark arresting screen.Attached FilesLast edited by ndutton; 08-03-2010, 08:58 AM.Neil
1977 Catalina 30
San Pedro, California
prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
Had my hands in a few othersComment
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Neil - Regarding your question about starter draw (post#27), mine shows 130amps using #2 cable. Also for the record I use #4 cable for alternator output, both positive and negative (110 amp Balmar model 712). I am relieved to learn of your splendid policy regarding beer discrimination.
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Bud Select 55 is currently $9.99 for an 18-pack here locally. That is only $1 more than the wretched Natural Light & Busch Light which I cannot drink.
I get my fill of imports when I go to the local mexican restaurant and drink the Dos Equis Negro (sp?) on tap in the 34 oz. mug!
-Shawn
"Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109
"Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!)
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Some comments:
Trying to charge batteries with a fixed voltage regulator is like trying to fill water balloons with a fixed water pressure. If you open the valve too far they will pop and if you open it only enough to not pop them they will take forever to fill.
That said, my experience with adapting modern regulators to the 55 amp Motorola is that the alternator gets driven way harder than it would be by the internal regulator and needs a diode or two replaced every 2 or 3 years. I think I need one now - the max charging current seems to have dropped a bit
Joe Della Barba
Coquina
C&C 35 MK I
Maryland USAComment
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Shawn,
One of the great finds when building my Westsail in the 80's was cases of Meister Brau at the local Smart & Final for 12 bucks. There was a $10 rebate coupon inside, net cost was $2 for a case not counting recycle value of the aluminum cans.
Man, are we off topic or what??Last edited by ndutton; 08-05-2010, 07:18 AM.Neil
1977 Catalina 30
San Pedro, California
prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
Had my hands in a few othersComment
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Is this the alternator you have?
Did it fit the A4 mounts?
Are you still using the internal regulator it came with?
Originally posted by ndutton View PostJoe Della Barba
Coquina
C&C 35 MK I
Maryland USAComment
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Alternator?
Niel, thanx for the heads up on the protection. Isn't the protection in the regulator that is chosen? I don't see any of the "spark" protection on the stock unit(?) and wonder what's up with it?
Ah swilling Beer I have a deffinate preferance but when offered a beer all I require is "wet and cold". Not to fussy unless the GUD stuff is available.
Save the "Ales"!
Dave Neptune
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Yeah, that looks like the one. I had to modify the mount slightly by grinding off the corner below the pivot bolt to allow sufficient belt adjustment. When planning the installation I really struggled with the single wire concept but finally relented and installed it as designed, works great.Originally posted by joe_db View PostIs this the alternator you have?
Did it fit the A4 mounts?
Are you still using the internal regulator it came with?
To answer your question directly, mine is internally regulated, single wire connection (output to starter post). Be careful with the connection at the output post, the spark shield is really close there and grounded.Neil
1977 Catalina 30
San Pedro, California
prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
Had my hands in a few othersComment
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Heh-heh - good company to be included within!Originally posted by sastanley View Post1974 C&C 27Comment
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Yeah, often it's just me and rigs at that hour, sometimes Kelly - from France!Originally posted by rigspelt View Post
Dave,Neil, thanx for the heads up on the protection. Isn't the protection in the regulator that is chosen? I don't see any of the "spark" protection on the stock unit(?) and wonder what's up with it?
This pdf explains it better than I ever could. Note that the alternators available from Moyer are all SAE J-1171 compliant.Neil
1977 Catalina 30
San Pedro, California
prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
Had my hands in a few othersComment
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Yeah...Originally posted by ndutton View Post
but is it because you guys are up early OR just still up LATE?!
-Jerry
'Lone Ranger'
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1978 RANGER 30Comment
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