[Public-list] 78 Amp alternator/Atomic 4

[Amy & David Swanson]

I have a "marinized" Delco alternator similar to the one you are talking
about.  There is apparently a standard modification kit to make these safe &
legal on inboard boat engines (not surprising give the bazillion power boats
with gas V8's i them).  Withing the restrictions of a simple automobile-type
regulator, they seem to work well & are cheaper than a rebuild on the
Motorola or other standard Atomic 4 alternators.  Be aware that many are
"rebuilt" units, and like all rebuilt alternators, quality varies widely.
If I were doing extensive cruising, I would want a real marine alternator
(Balmar or similar) with a smart regulator.  But for weekending, my $75
Delco is great.

David Swanson
Strayaway Child
Alberg 30 #229
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "dan walker" <dsailormon at yahoo.com>
To: "Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all" <public-list at alberg30.org>
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004 10:49 AM
Subject: Re: [Public-list] 78 Amp alternator/Atomic 4


> rick is sooooo right about the marine ignition protected alternator and
fires
> dan
>
> Rick Leach <RLeach at mbayaq.org> wrote:
> Mike,
>
> Good question...I'm interested to hear what the consensus will be. In the
meantime, here are some thoughts:
>
> On a 12 volt system 35 amps is equal to .56 hp and 78 amps is equal to
1.25 hp, a difference of about .69 hp. If you factor in a generous "fudge
factor" of, say, 25% loss due to inefficiencies in the mechanical-electrical
conversion the difference is closer to about .86 hp. The impact of the
additional load will vary with your RPM's. At lower speeds it will represent
a greater percentage of the engine's output. If you're properly propped and
spend most of the time running near the "sweet spot" in the power curve I
doubt that you'll notice it very much.
>
> There are some issues with a basic automotive alternator with regard to
operating it in a potentially flammable atmosphere. I believe a proper
marine alternator is "ignition-protected" to minimize sparking that could
ruin your day, thus negating any savings.
>
> If you have enough load to justify it, I think a high-output alternator is
a good idea, but a proper marine alternator is essential with a gasoline
engine.
>
> Rick Leach
> S/V Sugar Magnolia, #121
> Monterey, California
>
>
> ****************************************************
>
> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 11:51:26 -0400
> From: "Meinhold, Michael J"
>
> I need to replace or rebuild my alternator. Mamock Automotive is offering
a
> rebuilt Delco that will output 78 amps.
> My old one was nominally 35 amps. My question is : should I expect my
Atomic
> 4 to drive this alternator without slowing down much? Anyone have a
similar
> sized one on an A4?
>
> Mike
>
> Mike Meinhold
> Rinn Duin #272
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