[C320-list] Multi Stage Voltage Regulator for Stock Alternator Possible ?

[jim brown]

Just a comment. I recently took the Yanmar diesel course. There were 2 things 
that they seemed to emphasize on several occasions as possibly voiding the 
warranty  on new Yanmars  (in addition to the usual non maintenance, etc). One 
was improper choice of prop (not allowing full rpms at hull speed). The other 
was the addition of a larger output alternator. So if you have an engine under 
warranty I would check with Yanmar before any upgrades during that period just 
to be safe. 


Jim Brown





________________________________
From: Bruce Heyman <bruceheyman at cox.net>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Fri, February 11, 2011 4:31:12 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Multi Stage Voltage Regulator for Stock 
Alternator	Possible ?

Dave,
Thanks to the previous owner I didn't have to do this job.  However, I would 
offer that the Balmer external charger allows for the monitoring the temperature 
of that batteries and or the altinator.  When a temperature threshold is hit my 
understanding of the algoritum is that it halves the output.  I would think tis 
would go a long way to prevnting the early dimiese of your standard charger.
Bruce
Somerset 671 SoCal

Bruce Heyman
(949) 289-8400
BruceHeyman at cox.net

-----Original message-----
From: Utility Email <kswanson123 at comcast.net>
To: C320IA List Server <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: David Swanson <davidbswanson at comcast.net>
Sent: Thu, Feb 10, 2011 23:50:27 GMT+00:00
Subject: [C320-list] Multi Stage Voltage Regulator for Stock Alternator    
Possible?

I have a stock 55 watt Hitachi alternator in my 320. I am interested in 
installing a separate 3 stage aftermarket (Balmar or similar) voltage regulator 
while disconnecting the integral stock voltage regulator to get more charging 
efficiency out of the stock alternator.
As many of you may know, the 3 stage voltage regulator and related wiring are 
not inexpensive ($200 to $300). I am trying to avoid the high cost of swapping 
out a perfectly good (albeit inefficient) stock alternator/regulator for a new 
$800 Balmar (or similar) assembly.
I have heard that if I do this, I will likely burn out my stock alternator 
because the 3 stage voltage regulator will make the Hitachi alternator "work too 
hard."  Is this true?  I imagine that the stock alternator would have more load 
for a longer time for the bulk charging phase compared to stock, but I guess 
that I am questioning whether this would significantly decrease the life of the 
stock alternator.  I am also guessing that if I ask the Balmar folks, they would 
say it would significantly decrease the life of the Hitachi alternator because 
they want to sell me one of their heavy duty Balmar alternators.  Once the bulk 
charging phase is completed, it seems like the alternator load with an 
aftermarket multistage regulator would be similar to the stock regulator.  So my 
questions:

1.  Has anyone upgraded their Yanmar 3YM30 engine mounted alternator to perform 
efficient multistage charging without dropping $1000 to $1400 on a new Balmar 
alternator and regulator? 

2.  How far off base am I?  Or is it possibly practical to just upgrade the 
stock voltage regulator on our boats to improve engine driven charging 
efficiency?

Any and all advice and experience with this would be helpful.
Thanks!

Dave Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C310 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, WA