Converting a dumb alt.

[NYSail]

Hello all,
So a couple years ago I upgrade my alt to a balmar 150 with mc614 external regulator. The previous alt was a replacement 80 amp dump alt. So I’m pretty sure it can be done .... I would love to keep it as a spare because it was only 1 year old when I bought the boat so 2 years in service. Can this alt be converted reasonably to be a plug and play in my current externally regulated system?? I do also have a spare serpentine belt pulley as well.

Greg

 

[dlochner]

Greg, Good question. If it is an Hitachi I've heard that it can be done, but is not as easy to do as some other brands. I have a similar desire to change my 80 amp Hitachi to externally regulated, the plan is to take it to a shop that rebuilds starters, alternators and so forth and have them do it.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Greg,

Converting a Leece Neville Alternator to External Regulation by Maine Sail
Converting An Alternator To External Regulation

 

[heritage]

If you are going to keep it as a spare, why not leave its internal regulation as is and bypass the Balmar regulator if you ever need it. After you get a new or rebuilt Balmar alternator you can go back to external regulation. Also, this option will keep you in business if the external regulator dies.

 

[dlochner]

If you are going to keep it as a spare, why not leave its internal regulation as is and bypass the Balmar regulator if you ever need it. After you get a new or rebuilt Balmar alternator you can go back to external regulation. Also, this option will keep you in business if the external regulator dies.

Unfortunately, replacing the alternator is not just plug and play. There are some wiring changes that are necessary when the externally regulated alternator is installed. To reinstall an internally regulated alternator, the changes have to be undone and the old wiring reinstalled. It is much more likely that the alternator will fail before the regulator so it is easier and faster to install another externally regulated alternator.