Where to source alternator?

[bjanakos]

Long story short....

I was hauled in today and upon firing up the starboard motor, I notice the alternator gauge was pegged all the way. It's throwing out too much voltage...

I pulled the voltage regular under the "Chrysler Electronic" cover, but the alternator had some soot around it. I figured it was also smoked.

Upon removing the alternator, I noticed that the mounting bracket was cracked....


So I am looking for source an alternator, voltage regulator, and mounting bracket for a Chrysler 360. I'm not finding much luck on the web...

[prowlersfish]

Try Beacon marine to start .

[bjanakos]

Try Beacon marine to start .

I most certainly did, which is why I am putting it out for discussion.

[prowlersfish]

Do you know the alt brand ? should be easy to find . The bracket is another story . Two thoughts in that , Can it be welded ? or could the bracket be the same as automotive , and if so maybe a junk yard .

[Stripermann2]

Here's a start...

http://www.marinepartssource.com/newdet ... no=ADR0395

[bjanakos]

Do you know the alt brand ? should be easy to find .

Lestek 9531M 105 Amp

From what I can tell, Lestek is no longer around and taken over by Penntex. The Pentex replacement is a PX-4P-2 and there is not much technical information about that either.

http://www.penntexusa.com/CrossReferenceTable1.htm

Standing by for a tech-support call with Penntex.

The bracket is another story . Two thoughts in that , Can it be welded ? or could the bracket be the same as automotive , and if so maybe a junk yard .

I figured it may be a standard automotive part, but it does not appear to be. Below is a quick photo. It's shows at least one or two previous repairs/welds which is why I am after a new part.




Again, this was not an easy "let me google that for you" type of thing or I would have had the parts on order already.

[mikeandanne]

Why not get that alternator rebuilt, lots of shops do that, just be sure they handle and understand marine requirements....as for the bracket ,if it is cast ,very difficult to repair.....I have made alt brackets from 3/8 aluminum plate, easy to work with....anyway just a suggestion...Mike

[Paul]

When I upgraded my 30A factory alternator to one that would accommodate my new house bank arrangement, I had to repair the alternator bracket twice in the first season. Although the alternator was the same physical size, it required more engine power to drive it and the factory bracket was not up to the task. To resolve this, I made and installed a double bracket based on the original design that holds the alternator on both sides of the adjuster lug. Haven't snapped a bracket since.

Hope this helps.

[bjanakos]

Why not get that alternator rebuilt, lots of shops do that, just be sure they handle and understand marine requirements....as for the bracket ,if it is cast ,very difficult to repair.....I have made alt brackets from 3/8 aluminum plate, easy to work with....anyway just a suggestion...Mike

What I have learned so far is that these alternators, and the associated brackets, along with a few other items I have previously inquired about, were a customization of sorts from one of the previous owners.

This alternator is no longer manufactured and the replacement part is quite spendy and will require some electrical modifications. It's rated at 105 Amps and most of the standard replacement parts for these motors are a 65 amp prestolite. The overcharging symptoms point to the voltage regulator being the primary culprit. Fortunately, this is pretty much an "off the shelf" part and that is already on the way. The bracket seems to be a a custom fabrication as well.

I figured these were "Trojan Specific" parts and that's why I was having so much trouble finding them. I was hoping to have a quick fix for this, but it looking more like I need be more patient.

[prowlersfish]

Ok . that is not the alternator that came on the engine . So could the bracket been modified or not doing a good job of supporting this alternator ? If this was my boat I would be getting rid of that odd ball alternator and refitting a Delco marine 10 or 12 si alternator ( internal reg)

[K4282]

Is their any difference from a 318? I have alternators and brackets for a 318

[larryeddington]

Is their any difference from a 318? I have alternators and brackets for a 318

No they are the same, I have two extra 318 brackets and they will exactly fit the old prestolite alternators and his 360s, and can be used with others such as a GM Delco, but you have to turn it upside down and use the single ear on the bottom and the slider bracket on the now top one which is about 2 inches wide as well as some shimming washers.

I showed Bjankos pics of the originals, I think he just needs to get new alts Delco? and make a new bracket as he has the bolt pattern in that cut up bracket.

Something I noticed as mine had belts too wide for the pulleys. At least my 318s use very narrow belts that you have to hunt for, the bigger ones will not set down properly in the pulley v's.

[bjanakos]

I got everything sorted today and was able to move the boat to it's summer home!

I took a chance on a local shop and I got the part nicely welded and the voltage regulator was the fix. There is some belt squeal going on at higher RPMs. I changed to new belts, but I think I just need to get a block of wood and pry that alternator out a little. There's about 5/8 movement in the belt tension. I usually go about 3/8.

[Breezy 1]

Just for future reference a place called DC Grove in Fox Lake is spot on when it comes to marine alternators stuff. They normally turn stuff around same day as well.