Alternators

[CSlaughter]

So I am pretty sure the alternators are bad on my boat. I tried taking them to the auto-parts store and the employee there was lost on how to test them on their equipment. He wanted to know the car it came from and I told him it was on a mopar big block 440 (7.2l) (I have Chrysler engines in my F36). He was lost. I then explained it was from a boat and he promptly explained that he cant test boat alternators, just automotive ones. At that point I picked up my parts and left. I knew he had the tools, but not the knowledge needed.

From looking at the original part number from the original manufacturer, I determined that these are likely the original units and each only put out 35 +/- amps each.

Is there any reason that an automotive alternator would not work? More specifically, a 75 or 100 amp unit?

Thanks

Carl

[mikeandanne]

Hi Carl......my guess would be the originals are around 55amps,real output probably closer to 25 to 30......find a motor- alternator shop around you and take them in to be checked....a marine alternator needs to be spark protected ( explosion proof) to function in your engine compartment, no automotive alternators would be permitted.

[WayWeGo]

More than just a regulation issue, it is a safety issue. Using anything that is not ignition protected in your engine room can be life threatening. A gas explosion in your boat can destroy the boat and injure or kill you. You can find more info at http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/magazin ... aboard.asp.