internally regulated alt vs externally regulated alternator

« **on:** December 29, 2008, 09:58:23 PM »

so, digging around tonight i found a funky little box mounted up in the transom.. ended up being the voltage regulator for the alt. any opinions on if i should keep it this way, or swap it out for an internally regulated alt? definately less wiring for an internally regulated alt.

« **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2008, 10:18:42 PM »

Quote from: nathan on December 29, 2008, 09:58:23 PM

so, digging around tonight i found a funky little box mounted up in the transom.. ended up being the voltage regulator for the alt. any opinions on if i should keep it this way, or swap it out for an internally regulated alt? definately less wiring for an internally regulated alt.

Advantages and disadvantages to both bro, if your looking for projects to start, come on over...I could use the help

I like the internally reg. Delco's, but that's also what I already have...

We used an electronically regulated (external) alternator on our river jet with a field switch on the dash, believe it or not, shutting down the charging of the alternator was good for a free 15 HP on the Dyno (keep in mind at 5400 RPM)...The external regulated alts. while outdated, can be "boondocks" repaired with very few tools and knowhow...Its literally just a relay..but a nice newer style Delco will last vertually forever.

GT

« **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2008, 10:48:30 PM »

Quote from: GT Jets on December 29, 2008, 10:18:42 PM

Advantages and disadvantages to both bro, if your looking for projects to start, come on over...I could use the help

I like the internally reg. Delco's, but that's also what I already have...

We used an electronically regulated (external) alternator on our river jet with a field switch on the dash, believe it or not, shutting down the charging of the alternator was good for a free 15 HP on the Dyno (keep in mind at 5400 RPM)...The external regulated alts. while outdated, can be "boondocks" repaired with very few tools and knowhow...Its literally just a relay..but a nice newer style Delco will last vertually forever.

GT

Which delco are you using? 12si? I take it thats a 2-wire with an ignition exciter, and not self exciting?

goal for this boat is as simple and turn-key as possible

« **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2008, 10:59:14 PM »

Quote from: nathan on December 29, 2008, 10:48:30 PM

Which delco are you using? 12si? I take it thats a 2-wire with an ignition exciter, and not self exciting?

goal for this boat is as simple and turn-key as possible

My current (no pun intended) alternator is just an automotive 10SI and its rated for 60 amps, does the job just fine, I run it three wire, but have a one wire spare just in case. The prob with the single wire deal is it charges to what the battery needs and not what the battery need plus the running load, a three wire will....depending on how it's wired, there is a beat it into the ground thread here somewhere.

GT

« **Reply #4 on:** December 30, 2008, 08:34:34 AM »

Just a quick tip:

On the internal Alts there is a "D" shaped hole on the back near the bearing cover. If you stick something metal in there hitting the tab in there and the side of the hole it "full feilds" the alt. Good for testing internal regulator or quick hot charge if it's bad.

nathan

internally regulated alt vs externally regulated alternator

GT Jets

Re: internally regulated alt vs externally regulated alternator

nathan

Re: internally regulated alt vs externally regulated alternator

GT Jets

Re: internally regulated alt vs externally regulated alternator

HDriderTH

Re: internally regulated alt vs externally regulated alternator