Just curious; Alternator upgrade

[Piece715]

Out of curiosity is it possible to upgrade the alternator on a 1985 Evinrude 50 hp (model E50BELCO) to one that will actually charge batteries? Mine came without factory trim and tilt so according to some info Silvertip gave a while back: "If it has power trim it has a 12 amp output and if not, it has 6 amp output." What would be involved and would it be feasible? Just a thought that struck me during morning coffee :facepalm:

 

[hidef]

Re: Just curious; Alternator upgrade

The 6 amp charging system is what came on your outboard and it should be more than enough to charge your battery while running. There was no difference in the charging system between the TNT or plain electric start for your model year. OMC did put larger charging systems on the V4s and triples with TNT but I think the thought was that the guys getting TNT were rigging out fishing boats with electric trolling motors and such.

 

[Piece715]

Re: Just curious; Alternator upgrade

One thing I didn't mention was that I'm using a dual battery setup in parallel. It was my understanding that a 6 amp output alternator wont come close to keeping them topped off while on the water. Also a little more back ground, is that that i have a one class d amp stereo system. Was just thinking of ways to improve my setup. Is it possible to upgrade the alternator to something that would be helpful while on the water? Hope that makes sense... And thanks hidef!

 

[F_R]

Re: Just curious; Alternator upgrade

I just checked several years' of 50hp motors and couldn't find an optional alternator or kit. However, even if there is such a thing, it would at a minimum include a different stator, and a voltage regulator---probably one of those $$$$ combo regulator/rectifier units.

Funny, most people yelp because the 6 amp system overcharges their battery. Which is valid because it is unregulated. Maybe they need to turn on their sterio (I hope not)

 

[Piece715]

Re: Just curious; Alternator upgrade

Thank you for looking F_R. Like I said it was one of those spur of the moment things to see if it was worth pursuing. I do like a good tune on the water but hate drawing attention, Dont wanna be "that guy". Just trying to determine the best setup for the most audio play time for those all day relaxation lake adventures. With the dual battery setup I'm guessing the six amps would basically act like trickle charger correct? In your scenario of overcharging we are talking freshly charged single battery setup with an hour trip to fishing spot type of thing?!