Do boat alternators have to be specifically for marine purposes?

[samocamo123]

I believe the alternator is dead on my 1986 Ebbtide Montego 170 with a 1985 OMC sterndrive, model number 302sthrcom and I was wondering if I had a car alternator that fit in the boat, would it work, or would the marine conditions kill the alternator? Also is rebuilding a marine alternator the same as rebuilding a car alternator or is it impossible to rebuild it without destroying any waterproofing?

 

[jbcurt00]

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...e-marine-and-auto-alternators-interchangeable

Take a look around, lots of great info in here, no waiing for a reply.

If you dont like the forum search feature, use google and add

Iboats forum

To your search terms.....

 

[samocamo123]

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-...nterchangeable

Take a look around, lots of great info in here, no waiing for a reply.

If you dont like the forum search feature, use google and add

Iboats forum

To your search terms.....

I was also hoping to get a response about the rebuilding of marine alternators, and sorry if their is a post explaining the my rebuilding question, I didn't see one.

 

[poconojoe]

It has to be marine grade or it can go boom!

 

[Scott Danforth]

If its on a boat it needs to be SAE 1171 compliant. PERIOD. so yes, it has to be marine

 

[GA_Boater]

The only difference between marine and auto alternators is spark shielding in case openings of marine versions to reduce the chance of sparking a fire and to meet the SAE requirements. The guts are the same.


An auto shop should be able to rebuild a marine alternator.

 

[Scott Danforth]

That would be a good or quality shop will be able to rebuild it

 

[samocamo123]

The only difference between marine and auto alternators is spark shielding in case openings of marine versions to reduce the chance of sparking a fire and to meet the SAE requirements. The guts are the same.


An auto shop should be able to rebuild a marine alternator.

Thanks, I noticed we both live in Canton, GA, its a small world.

 

[GA_Boater]

One of us lives on the right side of the tracks then. Or the wrong side! LOL

 

[tpenfield]

would the marine conditions kill the alternator?

Actually an automotive alternator is more likely to do you bodily harm

Just to add to what the others have said . . . your boat is basically a bathtub that can hold gasoline vapors. All the electrical and ignition stuff that resides in the engine compartment should be SAE J1171 rated for spark suppression.

 

[southkogs]

I have an auto parts store here in Nashville that does a lot of rebuilding of electric motors. He understands marine application and has done several rebuilds for me - so, you can find a good shop that can do the work.

 

[samocamo123]

Does anyone know what alternator would be a good replacement for the alternator in my boat

 

[GA_Boater]

Take the alternator to AutoZone for a free test. I almost live at the one on Marietta Highway I spend so much money there.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Does anyone know what alternator would be a good replacement for the alternator in my boat

Howdy,

Go to http://epc.brp.com/ to find your model number. You'll find that the OEM model number of your ALT assy is OMC 0983424

If you do a simple Google search of that model number you'll get every source of replacements. From $400+ Evinrude/Johnson to Sierra (sold right here on iBoats) to many other after market choices.

I would test that alternator first and probably then if defective, take it to any reputable auto electric shop for rebuild.

Regards,

Rick