The alternator on my 1986 272 w/Westerbeke 10two diesel is shot; my local alternator shop says it can't be rebuilt and he can't find it in any of his catalogs. It's a Mitshubishi 35amp, 12 VDC alternator and I am told a new one is at least $300. Are there any other cheaper alternatives to getting an OEM part from Westerbeke? Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can offer. Frank
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Bob
Alternator Rebuild
Hi Frank, Where are you located? There are several places in Providence, RI and there's also Port City Tech in Portsmouth, NH (they did my starter/generator on my old Vire 7...this was a real odd duck). Seems to me that any auto electric place would be able to handle this task. They should be able to tell what make and model it is and rebuild using their spec books. Cheers, Bob
Hi Frank, Where are you located? There are several places in Providence, RI and there's also Port City Tech in Portsmouth, NH (they did my starter/generator on my old Vire 7...this was a real odd duck). Seems to me that any auto electric place would be able to handle this task. They should be able to tell what make and model it is and rebuild using their spec books. Cheers, Bob
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Tom Ehmke
alternator for 272
Frank, If I were you, I'd consider an upgrade at this time. I also have the Mitsubishi alternator on my 272 and if it were to fail, I want to go to an alternator which puts out more amps. I have had trouble in the past keeping the battery bank (two batteries) charged. I don't use shore power and have no AC charger on board and sometimes Ijust don't run the engine enough to charge the batteries at 30 amps. Tom
Frank, If I were you, I'd consider an upgrade at this time. I also have the Mitsubishi alternator on my 272 and if it were to fail, I want to go to an alternator which puts out more amps. I have had trouble in the past keeping the battery bank (two batteries) charged. I don't use shore power and have no AC charger on board and sometimes Ijust don't run the engine enough to charge the batteries at 30 amps. Tom
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Don Evans
Alternator
The standard 35 amp/ unregulated Mitsu. alt. is a slouch. If your batts are only down a bit, the alt. just can't seem to regulate itself to replace the lost amps. I agree with Tom, and look at a higher output alt., such as a balmore (sp?). I looked into replacing my mitsu. alt. and it was going to be about $400 including a 3 stage regulator. My only concern was it was going to pull 3 hp from my already limited 10 hp one lunger diesel when it needed to crank out the amps. May be less of a consideration on your West. 2 cylinder 10. Don
The standard 35 amp/ unregulated Mitsu. alt. is a slouch. If your batts are only down a bit, the alt. just can't seem to regulate itself to replace the lost amps. I agree with Tom, and look at a higher output alt., such as a balmore (sp?). I looked into replacing my mitsu. alt. and it was going to be about $400 including a 3 stage regulator. My only concern was it was going to pull 3 hp from my already limited 10 hp one lunger diesel when it needed to crank out the amps. May be less of a consideration on your West. 2 cylinder 10. Don
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Frank Conley
The Search Continues
Thanks for the responses so far. I took the alternator to my local auto shop and they can't rebuild it, something about the regulator and another part is bad and they can find no parts fot this model. The Westerbeke distributor says this model is no longer available and that it would have to be rebuilt as a 40 amp model with a kit for $525. Ouch! My auto guy has given me an alternator to try but I am concerned it is too large and I will have to have a custom fabricated bracket made if it does fit. Any other ideas out there? Thanks, Frank
Thanks for the responses so far. I took the alternator to my local auto shop and they can't rebuild it, something about the regulator and another part is bad and they can find no parts fot this model. The Westerbeke distributor says this model is no longer available and that it would have to be rebuilt as a 40 amp model with a kit for $525. Ouch! My auto guy has given me an alternator to try but I am concerned it is too large and I will have to have a custom fabricated bracket made if it does fit. Any other ideas out there? Thanks, Frank
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Tom Ehmke
Frank-alternator
Frank, For less than $525 you can buy a marine grade alternator. Check the alternators in the WM catalog and the BoatUS catalog. There are high output models in the 70 amp range that would work great on your boat. Don mentioned Balmar alternators in a previous post. They are available through WM. The mountings for the alternator can be matched with the mounting locations on your Westerbeke by matching your type of mount with those shown in the catalog. No need to fabricate a specal mount. I was able to identify the Balmar model I would buy from the list of alternators which the various Balmar models replace. The Mitsubishi 35 amp model is included in the catalog list. I've heard of others replacing the alternator on board with an automotive type, and sometimes with good results. Don't know about the longevity of an automotive type in the marine environment. Also, it would be a good idea to install an external regulator. This type is much better at sensing the charge needed to fully charge the batteries. Tom
Frank, For less than $525 you can buy a marine grade alternator. Check the alternators in the WM catalog and the BoatUS catalog. There are high output models in the 70 amp range that would work great on your boat. Don mentioned Balmar alternators in a previous post. They are available through WM. The mountings for the alternator can be matched with the mounting locations on your Westerbeke by matching your type of mount with those shown in the catalog. No need to fabricate a specal mount. I was able to identify the Balmar model I would buy from the list of alternators which the various Balmar models replace. The Mitsubishi 35 amp model is included in the catalog list. I've heard of others replacing the alternator on board with an automotive type, and sometimes with good results. Don't know about the longevity of an automotive type in the marine environment. Also, it would be a good idea to install an external regulator. This type is much better at sensing the charge needed to fully charge the batteries. Tom
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Frank Conley
Tom-thanks for the Balmar suggestion
Checking out Balmar alternators in BoatUS and on their website. Will be calling them tomorrow to cross reference my present alternator. The 75amp models look good but I think my present mounting foot is dual foot with a 1 9/16" ID so I need to check with Balmar.
Checking out Balmar alternators in BoatUS and on their website. Will be calling them tomorrow to cross reference my present alternator. The 75amp models look good but I think my present mounting foot is dual foot with a 1 9/16" ID so I need to check with Balmar.
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