Yanmar made a 110 amp alternator for a while, i have a chance to get one cheap, new alternator. I have heard mixed reviews on the 110 amp. The 55 and 80 amp models are good but some say the 110 are problematic. I dont want to build in a problem. So what do you guys think? have you had experience with the 110 amp yanmar on a 400 or so amp system? They have been discontinued by yanmar which tells me something. give me some feedback... maybe i should just break down and get a balmar.. for a lot more bucks.
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Double belts
Ed: I think that most any alternator that is over 100 amps is going to require twin pulley's & belts. Just something to think about. There are some other options for 100+ alternators on the market that will work just fine too.
Ed: I think that most any alternator that is over 100 amps is going to require twin pulley's & belts. Just something to think about. There are some other options for 100+ alternators on the market that will work just fine too.
Agree w/ Steve - 80 should be fine
One of the problems with larger alternators is belt slippage. There are two ways to combat this: (1) Tighten the belt really tight and keep it tight over time, or, (2) Use multiple belts. The obvious problem with really tight belts is wear on the bearings. Multiple belts require a crank pulley that will accommodate the additional belts - $$ What does the larger alternator get you? If the battery cables and regulator will allow it, a little faster time charging until the charge rate starts to taper off below that of the 80 amp alternator. That's it. A savings in a little bit of time and then only when the engine is running at a higher RPM. Especially with a Yanmar, you shouldn't sit there and charge batteries with the engine at idle as this will just carbon up the cylinders. With four golf-carts and a group 27, an older 70-amp Balmar alternator circa 1993 and there three-step regulator, also circa that time, the system has performed great. I keep the belt just tight enough so that it doesn't squeal. More recently the charging system has been supplemented by a pair of 130w solar panels so engine charging while at anchor is at an absolute minimum. Last season we were out for over a month and were on shore power only one or two days for the whole time. hope this helps.
One of the problems with larger alternators is belt slippage. There are two ways to combat this: (1) Tighten the belt really tight and keep it tight over time, or, (2) Use multiple belts. The obvious problem with really tight belts is wear on the bearings. Multiple belts require a crank pulley that will accommodate the additional belts - $$ What does the larger alternator get you? If the battery cables and regulator will allow it, a little faster time charging until the charge rate starts to taper off below that of the 80 amp alternator. That's it. A savings in a little bit of time and then only when the engine is running at a higher RPM. Especially with a Yanmar, you shouldn't sit there and charge batteries with the engine at idle as this will just carbon up the cylinders. With four golf-carts and a group 27, an older 70-amp Balmar alternator circa 1993 and there three-step regulator, also circa that time, the system has performed great. I keep the belt just tight enough so that it doesn't squeal. More recently the charging system has been supplemented by a pair of 130w solar panels so engine charging while at anchor is at an absolute minimum. Last season we were out for over a month and were on shore power only one or two days for the whole time. hope this helps.
Ed, I was going to say the same thing as John.
The difference between a 110 and an 80 amps alternator in recharge time is very small and hardly worth the added costs of installing double belts or putting up with belt slipage or problems with overtightening. I know is hard to turn down a bargain for the bargain itself but ask yourself, do I really need it? I have always accepted the 55 amp Hitachi as an excellent alternator, both in quality and performance that fills my needs. I don't run the auxiliary diesel much and almost never at anchor so I have looked elsewhere for battery recharging. I will pay for a slip at a marina to use their shower, restaurant and shore power or at anchor or underway I will run a generator. Others have mentioned solar power and wind power and they are good alternatives for someone at a mooring or full time cruising.
The difference between a 110 and an 80 amps alternator in recharge time is very small and hardly worth the added costs of installing double belts or putting up with belt slipage or problems with overtightening. I know is hard to turn down a bargain for the bargain itself but ask yourself, do I really need it? I have always accepted the 55 amp Hitachi as an excellent alternator, both in quality and performance that fills my needs. I don't run the auxiliary diesel much and almost never at anchor so I have looked elsewhere for battery recharging. I will pay for a slip at a marina to use their shower, restaurant and shore power or at anchor or underway I will run a generator. Others have mentioned solar power and wind power and they are good alternatives for someone at a mooring or full time cruising.
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