alternator amp lesson

[newtoboat101]

so i need to replace my 55 amp alternator on alpha 1 5.0 lx should i stick with this amp or up the amps to like 70 why would you up the amps need a lesson on amps

 

[Grub54891]

Have you had any issues with the alt keeping up? If not, The 55 will be fine. Otherwise just up the amps. Won't hurt the thing a bit.

 

[newtoboat101]

ok thanx

 

[alldodge]

Take the one you have and have it rebuilt, cost is much less and most places have a local shop that will do it.

 

[newtoboat101]

thanx alldodge will consider rebuild ,found reman for 75 dollars ,probably go with this instead of me rebuilding ,,but why would you up the amps ,for what reason

 

[alldodge]

thanx alldodge will consider rebuild ,found reman for 75 dollars ,probably go with this instead of me rebuilding ,,but why would you up the amps ,for what reason

If the ALT is original (1988) then it's being doing very well, the next should last, if its not then I would think about the 75 amp range.

 

[biggjimm]

The amperage rating is the output of the alt. You would only need to go up in amperage if it has not been able to keep, like was already stated. The alt. is chosen by the manufacturer to handle the required amp draw that your boat & accessories need. For example, my old boat has like a 47 amp alt on it. All I have is a radio besides the different systems on the boat like the trim pump & lights & so on.

On the other hand my buddies new boat with fuel injection & a whole slew of accessories has like a 115 amp alt or something like that. His boat has more need for the higher output alt to keep up with the power demand on the system. Hope that makes sense.

If there's an automotive electrical shop or generator repair shop close to you, they'll probably rebuild that for a lot less than the $75 to buy a reman & you'll have a better product. Who knows where & with what they rebuild that "new" stuff with these days.

 

[thumpar]

Going up in amps will not hurt anything. It will only output what is needed at the time. Think of it like a water hose. The volts are the pressure. The amps are the capability to keep up with the pressure.

 

[newtoboat101]

ok ,gotcha biggjimm ,thanx thumpar

 

[achris]

Be careful using an alternator with a higher current output capability. As already stated, the alternator will only output what is required, and while that is less than the original 55amps that's fine, but when there's a demand for more current the associated wiring may not be up to the job... This CAN result in hot/melted wiring, or a fire....

Unless you have a solid reason for needing more current, AND you improve the wiring to handle it, stay with the same output as original...

And of course, any replacement alternator you do put on, MUST be marine rated.

Chris........

 

[airshot]

I would have to "second' the rebuild alternator. Most of the original factory alternators are of a much better quality then the so called reman alternators. I learned that lesson some years back. Bought a reman alternator because it was cheaper....only lasted about 3 weeks.....in the mean time I had the original repaired by a qualified rebuilder ( lucky to have a good one in my area) I was able to get a refund on the reman and then replaced with my original rebuild. That was 3 years ago, rebuilder showed me how the internals of the original alternator and explained how much better they were to the aftermarket remans. NO more aftermarket remans for me!!