universal m18 alternator bracket upgrade

[adamv]

@Richard19068 curious how close your alternator got to the starter solenoid and whether you had to make any adaptations. Was it close? Mine is touching! I dont know if my alternator was upgraded but looking at the space available feels you'd need a very shallow one..

bellow, ive just offered these up- cant bolt it - its resting on the starter solanoid contacts! (dont worry, powers disconnected!)

From what i can tell i have 4 options:
1. somehow wrangle the solanoid electrical contacts to left away from the alternator, perhaps reducing the number on the solanoid with the aim of moving the danger from the alternator. Shield the contacts with some insulator that can take a bit of heat
2. somehow fabricate a longer or an extension to the tension arm (really, why did i pay CAD$1k for this thing that does not work?)
3. replace the alternator with something that will fit (no idea how i guarantee this)
4. give up, use the old bracket. Its lasted 38 years

Perhaps there are more?

 

[Richard19068]

My setup is a bit different than yours but my alternator is still too close to the starter.

I need to modify the adjustment arm/bracket but it works so it's one of the things I haven't gotten around to.

Check out this post for some ideas.

Alternator adjustment bracket

I've just replaced my failed OE Mando alternator with the Compass Marine CMI-72-IR same frame size unit. The adjustment arm was marginal before and definitely won't work with the new alternator. Has anyone found an available bracket that works to swing the alternator farther away from the...

forums.sailboatowners.com

 

[Maine Sail]

Wrong alt for that engine.. the rear screen enclosure will vontact the solenoid and create a dead short.. those engines use a Motorola frame alt not a Delco.. we have seen two crackedM-18 timing gear housings and it resulted in both engines being replaced as parts to fix them were not available..

 

[adamv]

Wrong alt for that engine.. the rear screen enclosure will vontact the solenoid and create a dead short.. those engines use a Motorola frame alt not a Delco.. we have seen two crackedM-18 timing gear housings and it resulted in both engines being replaced as parts to fix them were not available..

Thanks, yeah feared it was a case of wrong alt. This boat is like one of those loose yarn threads you pull from a sweater.
I would say though, that with the upgraded bracket a cracked timing gear case is no longer a concern (as it isn't using that weak ear any more) so wondering if adapted brackets are preferable to replacing the alt

 

[adamv]

the rear screen enclosure will vontact the solenoid and create a dead short

Interestingly my boat has an ammeter on the engine panel (doesnt work, but the dials move when current applied). I read one of your posts Universal Engines Wiring Harnes Upgrade and saw about it being best to jump the alternator output to the solanoid anyway. My simple brain never quite followed this- power to the starter is only applied when the key is turned. Its not a live bus is it? Wondering if sorting out this area first and then looking into an improved bracket is the way to go