[Public-list] 78 Amp alternator/Atomic 4

[George Dinwiddie]

On Tue, Sep 07, 2004 at 08:25:02AM -0400, Meinhold, Michael J wrote:
> Thanks to all for advice on alternators. It's definitely a marinized
> (spark-protected) alternator.
> I like to run the blower most of the time the engine is running - keeps the
> cabin a more pleasant place, and this sucks a few amps that reduced the
> battery charging time. I believe it will pay to have the higher amperage
> available to charge both batteries, run the blower and burn lights at the
> same time.

Check your ammeter.  I really doubt that you're using more power than
the alternator can provide.  In other words, I don't think the current
output of the alternator is the limiting factor in how fast your
batteries are charged.

Check the voltage when the engine is running.  It's probably around 13.8
volts, which will *not* do a great job of charging wet cells.  Wet cells
like a tapered charge, with a higher voltage "finishing charge" from
time to time.  Gel cells (at least, the Sonnenschein ones) like a
constant-voltage charge.
 
> I took the kids out twice this weekend. We motored to Broad Creek on
> Saturday and swam. I am still power-limited (1500RPM and 4 knots) and I
> believe it's dirty valves. I am pretty sure my thermostat is overcooling the
> engine and causing this problem so I've got another engine task to tackle -
> at least I can go sailing!

For some years, I've been running my engine without a thermostat and
with full flow of water through the engine.  (I've got an "old" head on
a "new" block, and never took the time to re-engineer the cooling
system.)  While this makes the engine run quite cold in the spring and
late fall, it hasn't caused any real problems.  I did change to the
higher heat RJ12C plugs, which prevents carbon buildup on the plugs.

 - George

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