Alternator Dead

[blued]

It seems to be one thing after another at the moment! My alternator died yesterday, I thought the battery gauge had given up because it has always been a bit temperamental but it was actually a case of the battery not getting charged. I've tested with a multimeter and there is no change in voltage when the engine is running. I've cleaned up all the terminals and checked for damage to the wiring but all looks good. Just thought I'd put a quick post up before ordering one in case there is anything else to check on a marine engine that would differ from a car?

They don't look to be cheap, the best price I have seen for a 55 amp marine alternator so far is £120 + P&P.

[Gazjen]

Some have an isolated earth so that needs to be clean also

Also has it got removable brush gear? the regulator is normally incorporated into that and they are relatively inexpensive

Thirdly you can have them rebuilt cheaper than buying new, I'm sure there will be a company around you that does it

ISTR the captain finding reasonably priced alternators somewhere

[Ed]

Most are based on similar automotive alternators. If your able to find an equivalent car one I bet the guts would swap over, thing is, if this is not something your familiar with it may not be that easy.

[blued]

I'm not sure if the brush gear is removeable, is there an easy way to check?

Ed, I did think about finding an automotive equivalent but have since read that marine alternators, like starters, have shielding to prevent sparks leaving the casing. The last thing I want is to blow the boat up by igniting fuel vapour!!

I've been looking for companies that rebuild them and so far have only found one auto electrician but haven't been able to contact them.

[Ed]

What i mean is the electrical internals are the same if you find the right ones. They just don't have the flash back arresters etc inside the car ones.