Alternator with dual charging outputs?

Feb 22, 2015
21
Freedom Hoyt 32 Warwick
Working on my DC system on my new to me boat, and I've found a couple things I can't seem to reconcile to documentation I've found to date here. I have a 3GM30F Yanmar with what appears to be an upgraded alternator with external regulator.

I've posted a few pictures here: https://carousel.dropbox.com/photos/cc/D52SnPE9112dJdr

There are what appear to be 2 separate charging outputs from the alternator via 4GA cables, which each pass through a guest on/off switch, I presume to be able to isolate for battery testing, then each one is connected to the back of my 1/2/all Guest switch, to the two separate battery banks. That is, one wire goes to bank 1 post and the other goes to bank 2 post on the back of the switch.

Does this appear to be correct? I'm going over the entire config as I plan a move to GC2 batteries for the house, and upgrade the old Flyback charger, but I haven't heard of an alternator that would have outputs off two separate terminals, each providing charge.

My plan is to follow Maine's recommendations and run Alt direct to house bank, with Blue Sea ACR providing bridge to reserve battery for charge, but first trying to understand what I'm working with. Apologies for the not great pix of the alternator wiring, but it's a tight fit and tough to get much better, and I haven't found a tag with a model number, etc to identify the alternator
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,709
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Those old dual outpu Lesteks were nothing but trouble. The solution is to a place a heavy jumper across both output studs and use it as a single output alternator.
 
Feb 22, 2015
21
Freedom Hoyt 32 Warwick
Those old dual outpu Lesteks were nothing but trouble. The solution is to a place a heavy jumper across both output studs and use it as a single output alternator.
Thanks Maine! Hopefully no trouble for some time, but I'll go ahead and jump it and gain back the excess cabling. Can you comment on the external regulator, relative to use with GC2 batteries? Planning a 4 battery series/parallel 12v bank.

Tom
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,709
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Thanks Maine! Hopefully no trouble for some time, but I'll go ahead and jump it and gain back the excess cabling. Can you comment on the external regulator, relative to use with GC2 batteries? Planning a 4 battery series/parallel 12v bank.

Tom
That old Ford regulator is doing you no favors at all. I'd suggest replaceing it with a Balmar ARS-5 or MC-614, and keep that one as a spare. You want to be charging the GC batteries at 14.6V - 14.8V not 14.0V...