Date:         Wed, 8 Apr 2020 08:33:46 -0700
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Re: Alternators
Comments: To: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@verizon.net>
In-Reply-To:  <1897914277.2435508.1586353871369@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hey Dave,

I might get some argument about some of the points I’ll make, but’s here’s my thinking.

1. I’m not sure of any owner added electrical load - with the important exception of a LiPO aux battery system - that would make me wonder about the 90A stock alternator being too small.

2. The skinny belt and poor wrap around on pulleys limits how much power you have from engine to drive a larger alternator. I once heard from an electrical tech saying simple vee belt good for up to 120 A.  If you did put a 120 A alternator in the van, thats  nominally a max of 1700 watts (at 14 volts) of power thru the wee vee belt. Over 2hp!

3. Cleaning joints and or replacing wiring from alternator to starter to battery, not to mention battery to fuse panel, is probably well overdue on a lot of our vans. The point really should be number one.

4. I’m very happy with the stock 90A alternator but with an adjustable volt reg. We can debate what the best voltage setting at alternator should be, based on driving habits, time of year, agm or flooded battery etc etc. 
I set mine at 14.5-14.6 at alternator. I get about 14.5 at battery. Voltage drops, maybe 0.2 or so , when alternator hot.
I’ve been using the same reg since 2001 or so. It’s been in two vans I’ve resoldered new brushes in it a couple years ago.
I recommend one for anyone who is comfortable with the idea of adjustment and fine tuning.

Alistair 

> On Apr 8, 2020, at 6:51 AM, "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@verizon.net wrote:
> 
> Hi all.  The gent on his way home with charging problems brought this to mind.  At what point, with extra gadgets and gizmos and batteries added to the Westy electrical system, would one want a higher amp output alternator?  How many amps? Which ones are best?
> Dave B,